Reliability comparison of DFIG drive train configuration with PMG drive train configuration in the first 5 years of operation

Modern wind turbines vary greatly in their drive train configurations. With the variety of options available it can be difficult to determine which type is most suitable for on and offshore applications. A large percentage of modern drive trains consist of either doubly fed induction generators with partially rated converters or permanent magnet generators with fully rated converters. These configurations were the focus of this empirical reliability comparison. The turbine population for the analysis contained over 1800 doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) turbines and 400 permanent magnet generator (PMG) fully rated converter (FRC) turbines. The findings of this analysis show that, due to the poorer reliability of the FRC, the DFIG configuration proved the most reliable.