A Review of Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Abstract

In the last decade, wind energy as a renewable energy source has become increasingly popular, and the establishment of large-scale wind energy conversion systems (WECS) and its connection to the electricity grid has become common. However, conventional power systems are not directly compatible with the characteristics of wind turbines. In this article, different topologies and classification of wind turbine systems are examined and different wind energy conversion systems are discussed. The article focuses on the speed-based, output-based, generator-type-based and orientation-based classification of WECS. The typical structure and information of WECS are explained in detail. Fixed and variable WECS are compared and contrasted in the context of network stability. An overall review and comparison of different wind turbine generators in WECS are discussed. Finally, the balance problem for different wind turbine energy conversion systems in the grid network is presented and possible different mitigation methods and solutions are suggested.