Design and performance of a 20 kW, 100 rpm, switched reluctance generator for a direct drive wind energy converter

The application of switched reluctance generators for use in direct drive wind turbines is discussed in the paper. A 20 kW prototype machine operating at a rated speed in the region of 100 rpm was designed, built and tested. Experimental results verified the design procedures and also illustrated the suitability of switched reluctance machines for wind energy converters. From full load to load the efficiency of the machine and converter varied from 88% to 80% respectively