Overview of different wind generator system and their comparisons

In this paper, different type of wind turbines concept are discussed as well as they are compared, and also
market scenario is presented. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing technology in present era.
Fixed Speed Wind Turbine: It has multiple stage gearbox and a squirrel cage induction generator(SCIG). It
can only run higher than synchronous speed. There is no possibility to extract maximum power from this
type of wind turbine. A three stage gear box is required. SCIG draws reactive power for excitation. Hence,
capacitor bank is connected in parallel to generator.
Limited Variable Speed turbine: This wind turbine uses wound rotor induction generator with changeable
rotor resistance by power electronics convertor and pitch control. A typical variable speed range is 10%
above synchronous speed.
Variable Speed Wind Turbine with partial power convertor: This DFIG has WRIG and partial power
convertor. Speed can be vary +30% around asynchronous speed. Power electronics convert handles 25-30%
generator capacity. This type can provide reactive compensation. Gear box is required.
Pm synchronous Generator: It is high efficient and reliable, lighter. It is classified into three types. Radial
flux, axial flux and transversal flux.
Radial flux Pm machine: There are two type of RFPM machines, the slotted surface mounted PM machine
and the slotted flux concentrating machine.
Axial flux Pm machine: Two type of APPM the slotless and slotted surface-mounted PM.
Transversal-flux PM machines: It has low copper loss due to its design but low p.f. which requires higher
rating of power convertor.
Variable Speed multiple stage geared full scale power converter: It has good efficiency, grid fault ridethrough capability is less complex but more costly and high losses in convertor.
Comparison of different wind generator: The annual energy production is higher for direct-drive PMSG
compared to geared -drive SCIG. The outer diameter of direct drive wind generator is usually larger than
geared-drive generator but total length is short.
Market Penetration of different wind turbine: Market penetration of DFIG is increased from 0% to 55%
in last decade whereas SCIG dropped from 70% to 25%.WRIGs popularity has been decreasing while
EESG and PMSG gaining popularity. Off-shore wind energy is more popular than on shore.
Grid connection requirements: Active and reactive power control, voltage control, power quality and fault
ride-through capability are major concerns to grid connection for wind energy.
Market share of fixed speed concept has decreased slightly whereas variable speed wind turbine increase.
Power electronics will play key role for future wind energy.
The multi-stage geared drive DFIG is dominant in the current market. In addition, direct-drive or geared
drive with full scale power electronic converter is popular. The performance of PM machines is increasing
and cost is decreasing.
The future of wind turbine depends on their availability of complying with market expectation and
requirements of grid utility companies.