Electric generators fitted to wind turbine systems: An up-to-date comparative study

Abstract

This paper describes a comparative study allowing the selection of the most appropriate innovative structures for electrical machines for a wind turbine system. This study is based on an exhaustive review of the state of the art and on an effective comparison of the performances of the three main conventional electric generator in wind energy application system that are the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG), the Squirrel-Cage Induction Generator (SCIG), the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG), and an innovative machine that is the Switched Reluctance Generator (SRG). The main conclusion drawn by the proposed comparative study is that the innovative switched reluctance generator is able fulfills the major requirements of a wind energy system.