Comparison of Electrical Generators used for Wind Power Generation

The main purpose of this paper is to provide the non-specialist engineer of a qualitative practical guide for the initial selection of the technology to use in a wind generation system. We achieve this by documenting the comparative and absolute advantages and disadvantages of the usage of SRG´s, PMSG´s and DFIG´s in wind turbines. Also the most general operation and control characteristics of each machine are presented, as well as those collateral considerations of the machines implementation, i.e.: cost, power electronics usage, interconnectivity, etc. Finally, a comparative table which can be used for the initial selection of the generator for specific applications is presented.