Wind Energy Conversion System Topologies and Converters: Comparative Review

Abstract

Sources of renewable energy such as wind energy are indigenous and can help in decreasing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources. After introducing the history of wind energy production in Egypt and worldwide besides its techno-economic importance, this paper presents a comparative review on the wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The horizontal and vertical types of wind turbines with their mathematical dynamic models are discussed. Different types of electrical generators used in WECS in addition to their advantages and disadvantages are illustrated. The various AC-AC converters topologies for WECS are explained with a detailed discussion for their features.