A 3.0MW case study of the influence of PM cost on wind turbine cost of energy

A wind turbine generator optimization procedure based on minimization of annual energy losses and drivetrain cost is presented. Pareto fronts for four different 3.0MW wind turbine drivetrains utilizing permanent magnet synchronous machines are presented. The results are given for three different scenarios in which the magnet cost is varied. This variation affects direct-drive machines the most. A number of trends in the direct-drive generator optimization variables are presented as well.