Performance comparison of DFIG and PMSG based WECS

Wind energy generation systems are confronted with increasing demands for power quality and active power control. With the advances in power electronics technology, the rapid growth of variable speed WECS is now witnessed. However, the power quality at the point of grid connection still remains an important issue to be addressed thoroughly by researchers. This work focuses on the development of variable speed WECS using i) Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) with partial scale converters and ii) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) with full scale converters and their performance comparison for comparable ratings and with similar control strategies. The comparison aims to present in a thorough and coherent way the aspects of power quality (PQ) at the point of grid connection, range of wind speed that each of the generators can handle, power harnessed from both WECS at various wind velocities and converter ratings. Vector control strategy is being employed for both the systems. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) has also been implemented to harness maximum available power for a given wind velocity in both the systems.