Review of the wind energy generating system

This paper is to introduce an innovative direct-drive switched reluctance generator (SRG) wind turbine generating system. With the rapid growth of wind energy in recently years, wind generation plays a more important role in global electricity generating. Variable speed wind turbine generating systems are the trend of wind generation, comparing to the old fashion of fixed-speed system. Three typical variable speed wind turbine concepts, including multi-stage doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), direct-drive electrical excited synchronous generator (EESG) and direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), are introduced briefly; the advantages and disadvantages are highlighted in this paper. An innovative direct-drive SRG is introduced later; this novel generator reduces the gearbox and permanent magnet (PM) material with comparative efficiency regard to induction generator, which is extreme good candidate for offshore expansion.