A New Modular Flux-Switching Permanent-Magnet Drive for Large Wind Turbines

A new modular drivetrain for large wind turbines currently under development is presented. The electromechanicaldrivetrain has a direct-drive configuration with a modular flux-switching permanent-magnet generator. The full-powerconverter consists of 12 parallel back-to-back two-level voltage source converter modules. A novel method of modulationis used to improve harmonic quality while maintaining a low switching frequency. Benefits of the new design includesimplified manufacturing and transport, increased system availability due to fault tolerance and redundance, andavoidance of an LCL filter. Measurement results are shown from a 500-kW test rig.