Electromechanical dynamics analysis of pole-piece rotors in pseudo direct-drive wind turbine generators

This paper analyses the electromechanical dynamics of the pole-piece rotors in a pseudo direct-drive wind turbine generator. The investigated generator has a rated power of 10 MW and was designed in the INNWIND.EU project. One way coupled finite element analysis (FEA) was used to calculate the rotor dynamic defections caused by...

Lifetime comparison of power semiconductors in three-level converters for 10MW wind turbine systems

The power electronic converter, especially the power semiconductor, is a major contributor to the failure rates of the wind turbine drivetrain. As the temperature is a major driving factor behind the failure mechanisms of these power semiconductors the choice of topology and switching strategy can have a significant effect on the reliability...

Potential of Partially Superconducting Generators for Large Direct-Drive Wind Turbines

This paper aims at assessing the potential of partially superconducting generators for 10 MW direct-drive wind turbines by investigating their performance for a very wide range of excitation currents. Performance indicators such as shear stress and efficiency and other generator characteristics are compared for 12 different generator topologies....

Structural Dynamic Topology Optimisation of a Direct-Drive Single Bearing Wind Turbine Generator

Reducing weight of off-shore wind turbine nacelles is currently a key driver of innovation within the wind turbine industry. Weight reduction will not only lead to smaller loads and thus smaller towers of the turbine, but also reduce logistic costs during the turbine’s installation. This holds even more so for off-shore turbines, the costs...

New bearingless generator with buoyant rotor for large direct-drive wind turbines

Improved cost of energy comparison of permanent magnet generators for large offshore wind turbines

This paper investigates geared and direct-drive permanent magnet generators for a typical offshore wind turbine, providing a detailed comparison of various wind turbine drivetrain configurations in order to minimise the Cost of Energy. The permanent magnet generator topologies considered include a direct-drive machine and single stage, two-stage...

Design study of a 10 MW MgB2 superconductor direct drive wind turbine generator

A superconducting direct drive generator based on field windings of MgB2 superconducting tape is proposed as a solution by mounting the generator in front of the blades using a king-pin nacelle design for offshore turbines with power ratings larger than 10 MW as investigated in the INNWIND.EU project.

Investigation on the Possible Use of Magnetic Bearings in Large Direct Drive Wind Turbines

A direct drive generator used in wind turbine has high energy yield compared to other drivetrain topologies and low maintenance is expected as the technology matures. On the other hand direct drive generator weight and size increases rapidly when scaled up to larger units. This paper will investigate the possibility of weight reduction of large...