Improved PMSM for Wind Turbine Applications with Multiple High-speed Generators

Abstract

Wind turbines (WTs) are energy conversion systems with a very complex electromechanical structure, consisting of highly interconnected subsystems, which are constantly exposed to dynamic electrical and mechanical stress. In order to improve their technical and economic efficiency, new alternative drive train concepts are being sought. This paper proposes a WT drive train with multiple high-speed generators. Different electrical machines are investigated analytically and the permanent magnet synchronous machine with V-shaped internal magnets (VI-PMSM) is chosen as the most suited topology for this application. A simple MATLAB Simulink model is developed to validate the proposed WT configuration in terms of efficiency gain. Furthermore, the operational behavior of the VI-PMSM is improved by means of sinusoidal rotor field poles.