Comparative Study between the Electrical Generators Used in Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Abstract

To keep away from non-renewable fossil energy, clean and green wind energy is one of the sustainable sources in nature that produce the electrical power with no-fossil energy issues. The fastest growing type of renewable energy is the wind energy due to its free availability and environmental problems. Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) assume a significant part in the new production of electric power from renewable sources. Due to the technical progress in the wind turbine manufacturing, we have many types of wind turbines in use around the world. Many kinds of generators were used in the WECS. In this paper a comparison between three types of generators exploited in WECSs will be introduced. These types are self-excited induction generators (SEIGs), doubly-fed induction generator (DFIGs) and switched reluctance generators (SRGs). The comparison between the generators includes the speed range of operation, fault sensitivity, power ratings and the suitable types of wind turbines used for the three generators, moreover the control techniques applied.