Efficiency Maximization of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators Coupled to Wind Turbines

In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG), the relative simulations and their results are presented. The proposed algorithm reduces the losses of the generator without affecting its performances. In details, after a description of a dynamic model of the PMSG, which has been modified in order to take into account the iron losses, the basic methodologies to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Many simulations of a specific PMSG employing the proposed algorithm were carried out and are presented. The results of these simulations show that enhancement of the efficiency up to 3% and more can be reached in comparison to a PMSG using a traditional control strategy. The control algorithm has been tested through simulations in order to demonstrate its validity when the generator is coupled to wind turbines.