Comparative study of fixed speed and variable speed wind generator with pitch angle control

In the early development of the wind energy, the majority of the wind turbines have been operated at constant speed. Subsequently, the number of variable-speed wind turbines installed in wind farms has increased. In this paper, a comparative study of fixed and variable speed wind generator with Pitch angle control has been presented. The first is based on a squirrel cage induction generator (IG) connected directly to the grid. The second is at direct attack and consists of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). We note that the energy efficiency of the variable-speed wind turbines is widely improved relative to those with fixed speed. The performances of these two studied structures are evaluated by simulation work, to show the advantage of the one in comparison to the other.