Performance comparison of most prevalent wind energy conversion systems

This paper envisages comparing the performance of grid connected variable speed wind energy conversion systems (WECS) that are based on DFIG, PMSG and SCIG. The comparison criteria used are mainly the quality of power injected to the grid, range of wind speeds that each generator can handle, converter ratings, real power harnessed by each configuration and reactive power requirements. Models for these variable speed WECS based on DFIG, PMSG and SCIG have been developed in MATLAB/Simulink environment, considering the same machine ratings and similar control techniques for all of them. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) also has been implemented for all of them under normal operating conditions. Careful analysis of the results shows that an appropriate choice of a particular WECS technology can be made based on the geographic location of the wind turbine and strength of the power grid.