Electrical machines and power‐electronic systems for high‐power wind energy generation applications: Part I – market penetration, current technology and advanced machine systems
ISSN: 0332-1649
Article publication date: 1 January 2013
Abstract
Purpose
Wind energy has matured to a level of development at which it is ready to become a generally accepted power generation technology. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief review of the state of the art in the area of electrical machines and power‐electronic systems for high‐power wind energy generation applications. As the first part of this paper, latest market penetration, current technology and advanced electrical machines are addressed.
Design/methodology/approach
After a short description of the latest market penetration of wind turbines with various topologies globally by the end of 2010 is provided, current wind power technology, including a variety of fixed‐ and variable‐speed (in particular with doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) and permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) supplied with partial‐ and full‐power converters, respectively) wind power generation systems, and modern grid codes, is presented. Finally, four advanced electrical‐machine systems, viz., brushless DFIG, open winding PMSG, dual/multi 3‐phase stator‐winding PMSG and magnetic‐gear outer‐rotor PMSG, are identified with their respective merits and challenges for future high‐power wind energy applications.
Findings
For the time being, the gear‐drive DFIG‐based wind turbine is significantly dominating the markets despite its defect caused by mechanical gears, slip rings and brush sets. Meanwhile, direct‐drive synchronous generator, especially utilizing permanent magnets on its rotor, supplied with a full‐capacity power converter has become a more effective solution, particularly in high‐power offshore wind farm applications.
Originality/value
This first part of the paper reviews the latest market penetration of wind turbines with a variety of mature topologies, by summarizing their advantages and disadvantages. Four advanced electrical‐machine systems are selected and identified by distinguishing their respective merits and challenges for future high‐power wind energy applications.
Keywords
Citation
Zhu, Z.Q. and Hu, J. (2013), "Electrical machines and power‐electronic systems for high‐power wind energy generation applications: Part I – market penetration, current technology and advanced machine systems", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 7-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641311293731
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited