Comparison of Electrical Generators used for Wind Power Generation

The main purpose of this paper is to provide the non-specialist engineer of a qualitative practical guide for the initial selection of the technology to use in a wind generation system. We achieve this by documenting the comparative and absolute advantages and disadvantages of the usage of SRG's, PMSG's and DFIG's in wind turbines. Also the most general operation and control characteristics of each machine are presented, as well as those collateral considerations of the machines implementation, i.e.: cost, power electronics usage, interconnectivity, etc. Finally, a comparative table which can be used for the initial selection of the generator for specific applications is presented.