Wind Energy

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This report presents a brief introduction to wind energy and technologies available for horizontal wind turbines. A detailed taxonomy for horizontal axis wind turbines is presented covering parts of the turbine, control systems, applications among others. A detailed landscape analysis of patent and non-patent literature is done with a focus on Doubly-fed Induction Generators (DFIG) used in the horizontal axis wind turbines for efficient power generation. The product information of major players in the market is also captured for Doubly-fed Induction Generators. The final section of the report covers the existing and future market predictions for wind energy-based power generation.

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Introduction

  • We have been using wind power at least since 5000 BC to propel sailboats and sailing ships, and architects have used wind-driven natural ventilation in buildings since similarly ancient times. The use of wind to provide mechanical power came later.
  • Harnessing renewable alternative energy is the ideal way to tackle the energy crisis, with due consideration given to environmental pollution, that looms large over the world.
  • Renewable energy is also called "clean energy" or "green power" because it doesn’t pollute the air or the water. Wind energy is one such renewable energy source that harnesses natural wind power.

Read More?

Click on Wind Energy Background to read more about wind energy.

In order to overcome the problems associated with fixed speed wind turbine system and to maximize the wind energy capture, many new wind farms are employing variable speed wind energy conversion systems (WECS) with doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). It is the most popular and widely used scheme for the wind generators due to its advantages.

For variable-speed systems with limited variable-speed range, e.g. ±30% of synchronous speed, the doubly-fed induction generator(DFIG) can be an interesting solution. This is mainly due to the fact that the power electronic converter only has to handle a fraction (20-30%) of the total power as the converters are connected to the rotor and not to the stator. Therefore, the losses in the power electronic converter can be reduced, compared to a system where the converter has to handle the total power. The overall structure of wind power generation through DFIG as shown in the figure below.

Doubly-fed Induction Generator: Search Strategy

The present study on the IP activity in the area of horizontal axis wind turbines with focus on Doubly-fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is based on a search conducted on Thomson Innovation.

Control Patents

S. No. Patent/Publication No. Publication Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Assignee/Applicant Title
1 US6278211 08/02/01 Sweo Edwin Brush-less doubly-fed induction machines employing dual cage rotors
2 US6954004 10/11/05 Spellman High Voltage Electron Doubly fed induction machine
3 US7411309 08/12/08 Xantrex Technology Control system for doubly fed induction generator
4 US7485980 02/03/09 Hitachi Power converter for doubly-fed power generator system
5 US7800243 09/21/10 Vestas Wind Systems Variable speed wind turbine with doubly-fed induction generator compensated for varying rotor speed
6 US7830127 11/09/10 Wind to Power System Doubly-controlled asynchronous generator

Patent Classes

S. No. Class No. Class Type Definition
1 F03D9/00 IPC Machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring, or weight motors; producing mechanical power or a reactive propulsive thrust, not otherwise provided for / Wind motors / Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combination of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby (aspects predominantly concerning driven apparatus)
2 F03D9/00C ECLA Machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring, or weight motors; producing mechanical power or a reactive propulsive thrust, not otherwise provided for / Wind motors / Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combination of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby (aspects predominantly concerning driven apparatus) / The apparatus being an electrical generator
3 H02J3/38 IPC Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Circuit arrangements or systems for supplying or distributing electric power; systems for storing electric energy / Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks / Arrangements for parallely feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
4 H02K17/42

IPC Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Dynamo-electric machines / Asynchronous induction motors; Asynchronous induction generators / Asynchronous induction generators
5 H02P9/00 IPC Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Control or regulation of electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils / Arrangements for controlling electric generators for the purpose of obtaining a desired output
6 290/044 USPC Prime-mover dynamo plants / electric control / Fluid-current motors / Wind
7 290/055 USPC Prime-mover dynamo plants / Fluid-current motors / Wind
8 318/727 USPC Electricity: motive power systems / Induction motor systems
9 322/047 USPC Electricity: single generator systems / Generator control / Induction generator

Concept Table

S. No. Concept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
Doubly Fed Induction Generator
1 doubly fed induction generator
2 double output asynchronous machines
3 dual fed systems
4 dual feed
5 dual output

Thomson Innovation Search

Database: Thomson Innovation
Patent coverage: US EP WO JP DE GB FR CN KR DWPI
Time line: 01/01/1836 to 07/03/2011

S. No. Concept Scope Search String No. of Hits
1 Doubly-fed Induction Generator: Keywords(broad) Claims, Title, and Abstract (((((doubl*3 OR dual*3 OR two) ADJ3 (power*2 OR output*4 OR control*4 OR fed OR feed*3)) NEAR5 (induction OR asynchronous)) NEAR5 (generat*3 OR machine*1 OR dynamo*1)) OR dfig or doig) 864
2 Doubly-fed Induction Generator: Keywords(broad) Full Spec. (((((doubl*3 OR dual*3 OR two) ADJ3 (power*2 OR output*1 OR control*4 OR fed OR feed*3)) NEAR5 (generat*3 OR machine*1 OR dynamo*1))) OR dfig or doig) -
3 Induction Machine: Classes US, IPC, and ECLA Classes ((318/727 OR 322/047) OR (H02K001742)) -
4 Generators: Classes US, IPC, and ECLA Classes ((290/044 OR 290/055) OR (F03D000900C OR H02J000338 OR F03D0009* OR H02P0009*)) -
5 Combined Query - 2 AND 3 108
6 Combined Query - 2 AND 4 757
7 French Keywords Claims, Title, and Abstract ((((doubl*3 OR dual*3 OR ADJ two OR deux) NEAR4 (nourris OR feed*3 OR puissance OR sortie*1 OR contrôle*1)) NEAR4 (induction OR asynchron*1) NEAR4 (générateur*1 OR generator*1 OR machine*1 OR dynamo*1)) OR dfig or doig) 257
8 German Keywords Claims, Title, and Abstract (((((doppel*1 OR dual OR two OR zwei) ADJ3 (ausgang OR ausgänge OR kontroll* OR control*4 OR gesteuert OR macht OR feed*1 OR gefüttert OR gespeiste*1)) OR (doppeltgefüttert OR doppeltgespeiste*1)) NEAR4 (((induktion OR asynchronen) NEAR4 (generator*2 OR maschine*1 OR dynamo*1)) OR (induktion?maschinen OR induktion?generatoren OR asynchronmaschine OR asynchrongenerator))) OR dfig) 302
9 Doubly-fed Induction Generator: Keywords(narrow) Full Spec. (((((((doubl*3 OR dual*3) ADJ3 (power*2 OR output*4 OR control*4 OR fed OR feed*3))) NEAR5 (generat*3 OR machine*1 OR dynamo*1))) SAME wind) OR (dfig SAME wind)) 1358
10 Combined Query - 1 OR 2 OR 3 OR 4 OR 5 OR 6 1807 (916 unique)

Taxonomy

  • Use the mouse(click and drag/scroll up or down/click on nodes) to explore nodes in the detailed taxonomy
  • Click on the red arrow adjacent to the node name to view the content for that particular node in the dashboard

Sample Analysis

A sample of 139 patents from the search is analyzed based on the taxonomy. Provided a link below for sample spread sheet analysis for doubly-fed induction generators.

Patent Analysis

S. No Patent/Publication No. Publication Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Assignee/Applicant Title Dolcera Analysis
Problem Solution
1 US20100117605 05/13/10 Woodward Method of and apparatus for operating a double-fed asynchronous machine in the event of transient mains voltage changes The short-circuit-like currents in the case of transient mains voltage changes lead to a corresponding air gap torque which loads the drive train and transmission lines can damages or reduces the drive train and power system equipments. The method presents that the stator connecting with the network and the rotor with a converter. The converter is formed to set a reference value of electrical amplitude in the rotor, by which a reference value of the electrical amplitude is set in the rotor after attaining a transient mains voltage change, such that the rotor flux approaches the stator flux.
2 US20100045040 02/25/10 Vestas Wind Systems Variable speed wind turbine with doubly-fed induction generator compensated for varying rotor speed The DFIG system has poor damping of oscillations within the flux dynamics due to cross coupling between active and reactive currents, which makes the system potentially unstable under certain circumstances and complicates the work of the rotor current controller. These oscillations can damage the drive train mechanisms. A compensation block is arranged, which feeds a compensation control output to the rotor of the generator. The computation unit computes the control output during operation of the turbine to compensate partly for dependencies on a rotor angular speed of locations of poles of a generator transfer function, so that the transfer function is made independent of variations in the speed during operation of the turbine which eliminates the oscillations and increases the efficiency of the wind turbine.
3 US20090267572 10/29/09 Woodward Current limitation for a double-fed asynchronous machine Abnormal currents can damage the windings in the doubly- fed induction generator. Controlling these currents with the subordinate current controllers cannot be an efficient way to extract the maximum amount of active power. The method involves delivering or receiving of a maximum permissible reference value of an active power during an operation of a double-fed asynchronous machine, where predetermined active power and reactive power reference values are limited to a calculated maximum permissible active and reactive power reference values, and hence ensures reliable regulated effect and reactive power without affecting the power adjustment, the rotor is electrically connected to a pulse-controlled inverter by slip rings with a static frequency changer, and thus a tension with variable amplitude and frequency is imposed in the rotor.
4 US20090008944 01/08/09 Universidad Publica De Navarra Method and system of control of the converter of an electricity generation facility connected to an electricity network in the presence of voltage sags in said network Double-fed asynchronous generators are very sensitive to the faults that may arise in the electricity network, such as voltage sags. During the sag conditions the current which appears in said converter may reach very high values, and may even destroy it. During the event of a voltage sag occurring, the converter imposes a new set point current which is the result of adding to the previous set point current a new term, called demagnetizing current, It is proportional to a value of free flow of a generator stator. A difference between a value of a magnetic flow in the stator of the generator and a value of a stator flow associated to a direct component of a stator voltage is estimated. A value of a preset calculated difference is multiplied by a factor for producing the demagnetizing current.
5 US7355295 04/08/08 Ingeteam Energy Variable speed wind turbine having an exciter machine and a power converter not connected to the grid a) The active switching of the semiconductors of the grid side converter injects undesirable high frequency harmonics to the grid.
b) The use of power electronic converters (4) connected to the grid (9) causes harmonic distortion of the network voltage.
Providing the way that power is only delivered to the grid through the stator of the doubly fed induction generator, avoiding undesired harmonic distortion.
Grid Flux Orientation (GFO) is used to accurately control the power injected to the grid. An advantage of this control system is that it does not depend on machine parameters, which may vary significantly, and theoretical machine models, avoiding the use of additional adjusting loops and achieving a better power quality fed into the utility grid.
6 US20080203978 08/28/08 Semikron Frequency converter for a double-fed asynchronous generator with variable power output and method for its operation Optislip circuit with a resistor is used when speed is above synchronous speed, results in heating the resistor and thus the generator leads to limitation of operation in super synchronous range which results in tower fluctuations. Providing a back-to-back converter which contains the inverter circuit has direct current (DC) inputs, DC outputs, and a rotor-rectifier connected to a rotor of a dual feed asynchronous generator. A mains inverter is connected to a power grid, and an intermediate circuit connects one of the DC inputs with the DC outputs. The intermediate circuit has a semiconductor switch between the DC outputs, an intermediate circuit condenser between the DC inputs, and a diode provided between the semiconductor switch and the condenser. Thus the system is allowed for any speed of wind and reduces the tower fluctuations.
7 US20070210651 09/13/07 Hitachi Power converter for doubly-fed power generator system During the ground faults, excess currents is induced in the secondary windings and flows into power converter connected to secondary side and may damage the power converter. Conventional methods of increasing the capacity of the power converter increases system cost, degrade the system and takes time to activate the system to supply power again. The generator provided with a excitation power converter connected to secondary windings of a doubly-fed generator via impedance e.g. reactor, and a diode rectifier connected in parallel to the second windings of the doubly-fed generator via another impedance. A direct current link of the rectifier is connected in parallel to a DC link of the converter. A controller outputs an on-command to a power semiconductor switching element of the converter if a value of current flowing in the power semiconductor switching element is a predetermined value or larger.
8 US20070132248 06/14/07 General Electric System and method of operating double fed induction generators Wind turbines with double fed induction generators are sensitive to grid faults. Conventional methods are not effective to reduce the shaft stress during grid faults and slow response and using dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is cost expensive. The protection system has a controlled impedance device. Impedance device has bidirectional semiconductors such triac, assembly of thyristors or anti-parallel thyristors. Each of the controlled impedance devices is coupled between a respective phase of a stator winding of a double fed induction generator and a respective phase of a grid side converter. The protection system also includes a controller configured for coupling and decoupling impedance in one or more of the controlled impedance devices in response to changes in utility grid voltage and a utility grid current. High impedance is offered to the grid during network faults to isolate the dual fed wind turbine generator.
9 US20060192390 08/31/06 Gamesa Innovation Control and protection of a doubly-fed induction generator system A short-circuit in the grid causes the generator to feed high stator-currents into the short-circuit and the rotor-currents increase very rapidly which cause damage to the power-electronic components of the converter connecting the rotor windings with the rotor-inverter. The converter is provided with a clamping unit which is triggered from a non-operation state to an operation state, during detection of over-current in the rotor windings. The clamping unit comprises passive voltage-dependent resistor element for providing a clamping voltage over the rotor windings when the clamping unit is triggered.
10 US20050189896 09/01/05 ABB Research Method for controlling doubly-fed machine Controlling the double fed machines on the basis of inverter control to implement the targets set for the machine, this model is extremely complicated and includes numerous parameters that are often to be determined. A method is provided to use a standard scalar-controlled frequency converter for machine control. A frequency reference for the inverter with a control circuit, and reactive power reference are set for the machine. A rotor current compensation reference is set based on reactive power reference and reactive power. A scalar-controlled inverter is controlled for producing voltage for the rotor of the machine, based on the set frequency reference and rotor current compensation reference.

Click here to view the detailed analysis sheet for doubly-fed induction generators patent analysis.

Article Analysis

S No. Title Publication Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Journal/Conference Dolcera Summary
1 Study on the Control of DFIG and its Responses to Grid Disturbances 01/01/06 Power Engineering Society General Meeting, 2006. IEEE Presented dynamic model of the DFIG, including mechanical model, generator model, and PWM voltage source converters. Vector control strategies adapted for both the RSC and GSC to control speed and reactive power independently. Control designing methods, such as pole-placement method and the internal model control are used. MATLAB/Simulink is used for simulation.
2 Application of Matrix Converter for Variable Speed Wind Turbine Driving an Doubly Fed Induction Generator 05/23/06 Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion, 2006. SPEEDAM 2006. A matrix converter is replaced with back to back converter in a variable speed wind turbine using doubly fed induction generator. Stable operation is achieved by stator flux oriented control technique and the system operated in both sub and super synchronous modes, achieved good results.
3 Optimal Power Control Strategy of Maximizing Wind Energy Tracking and Conversion for VSCF Doubly Fed Induction Generator System 08/14/06 Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference, 2006. IPEMC 2006. CES/IEEE 5th International Proposed a new optimal control strategy of maximum wind power extraction strategies and testified by simulation. The control algorithm also used to minimize the losses in the generator. The dual passage excitation control strategy is applied to decouple the active and reactive powers. With this control system, the simulation results show the good robustness and high generator efficiency is achieved.
4 A Torque Tracking Control algorithm for Doubly–fed Induction Generator 01/01/08 Journal of Electrical Engineering Proposed a torque tracking control algorithm for Doubly fed induction generator using PI controllers. It is achieved by controlling the rotor currents and using a stator voltage vector reference frame.
5 Fault Ride Through Capability Improvement Of Wind Farms Using Doubly Fed Induction Generator 09/04/08 Universities Power Engineering Conference, 2008. UPEC 2008. 43rd International An active diode bridge crowbar switch presented to improve fault ride through capability of DIFG. Showed different parameters related to crowbar such a crowbar resistance, power loss, temperature and time delay for deactivation during fault.

Click here to view the detailed analysis sheet for doubly-fed induction generators article analysis.

Top Cited Patents

S. No. Patent/Publication No. Publication Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Assignee/Applicant Title Citation Count
1 US5289041 02/22/94 US Windpower Speed control system for a variable speed wind turbine 80
2 US4982147 01/01/91 Oregon State Power factor motor control system 62
3 US5028804 07/02/91 Oregon State Brushless doubly-fed generator control system 51
4 US5239251 08/24/93 Oregon State Brushless doubly-fed motor control system 49
5 US6856038 02/15/05 Vestas Wind Systems Variable speed wind turbine having a matrix converter 43
6 WO1999029034 06/10/99 Asea Brown A method and a system for speed control of a rotating electrical machine with flux composed of two quantities 36
7 WO1999019963 04/22/99 Asea Brown Rotating electric machine 36
8 US7015595 03/21/06 Vestas Wind Systems Variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier with scalar power control and dependent pitch control 34
9 US4763058 08/09/88 Siemens Method and apparatus for determining the flux angle of rotating field machine or for position-oriented operation of the machine 32
10 US7095131 08/22/06 General Electric Variable speed wind turbine generator 25

Top Cited Articles

S. No. Title Publication Date Journal/Conference Citations Count
1 Doubly fed induction generator using back-to-back PWM converters and its application to variable-speed wind-energy generation May. 1996 IEEE Proceedings Electric Power Applications 906
2 Doubly fed induction generator systems for wind turbines May. 2002 IEEE Industry Applications Magazine 508
3 Dynamic modeling of doubly fed induction generator wind turbines May. 2003 IEEE Transactions on Power Systems 274
4 Modeling and control of a wind turbine driven doubly fed induction generator Jun. 2003 IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion 271
5 Ride through of wind turbines with doubly-fed induction generator during a voltage dip Jun. 2005 IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion 246
6 Dynamic modeling of a wind turbine with doubly fed induction generator July. 2001 IEEE Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, 2001 196
7 Modeling of the wind turbine with a doubly fed induction generator for grid integration studies Mar. 2006 IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion 174
8 A doubly fed induction generator using back-to-back PWM converters supplying an isolated load from a variable speed wind turbine Sept. 1996 IEEE Proceedings Electric Power Applications 150
9 Doubly fed induction generator model for transient stability analysis Jun. 2005 IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion 106
10 Control of a doubly fed induction generator in a wind turbine during grid fault ride-through Sept. 2006 IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion 112

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Products

S. No. Company Product Specifications
1 Vestas V80 Rated Power: 2.0 MW, Frequency: 50 Hz/60 Hz, Number of Poles: 4-pole, Operating Temperature: -30°C to 40°
2 Vestas V90 Rated Power: 1.8/2.0 MW, Frequency : 50 Hz/60 Hz, Number of Poles : 4-pole(50 Hz)/6-pole(60 Hz), Operating Temperature: -30°C to 40°
3 Vestas V90 Offshore Rated Power: 3.0 MW, Frequency: 50 Hz/60 Hz, Number of Poles: 4-pole, Operating Temperature: -30°C to 40°
4 North Heavy Company 2 MW DFIG Rated Power: 2.0 MW, Rated Voltage: 690V, Rated Current: 1670A, Frequency: 50Hz, Number of Poles : 4-pole, Rotor Rated Voltage: 1840V, Rotor Rated Current 670A, Rated Speed: 1660rpm; Power Speed Range: 520-1950 rpm, Insulation Class: H, Protection Class: IP54, Motor Temperature Rise =<95K
5 Gamesa G90 Rated Voltage: 690 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Number of Poles: 4, Rotational Speed: 900:1,900 rpm (rated 1,680 rpm) (50Hz); Rated Stator Current: 1,500 A @ 690 V, Protection Class: IP 54, Power Factor(standard): 0.98 CAP - 0.96 IND at partial loads and 1 at nominal power, Power Factor(Optional): 0.95 CAP - 0.95 IND throughout the power range
6 Nordex N80 Rated Power: 2.5 MW, Rated Voltage: 690V, Frequency: 50/60Hz, Cooling Systems: liquid/air
7 Nordex N90 Rated Power: 2.5 MW, Rated Voltage: 690V, Frequency: 50/60Hz, Cooling Systems: liquid/air
8 Nordex N100 Rated Power: 2.4 MW, Rated Voltage: 690V, Frequency: 50/60Hz, Cooling Systems: liquid/air
9 Nordex N117 Rated Power: 2.5 MW, Rated Voltage: 690V, Frequency: 50/60Hz, Cooling Systems: liquid/air
10 Converteam DFIG NA
11 Xian Geoho Energy Technology 1.5MW DFIG Rated Power: 1550KW, Rated Voltage: 690V, Rated Speed: 1755 r/min, Speed Range: 975~1970 r/min, Number of Poles: 4-pole, Stator Rated Voltage: 690V±10%, Stator Rated Current: 1115A; Rotor Rated Voltage: 320V, Rotor Rated Current: 430A, Winding Connection: Y / Y, Power Factor: 0.95(Lead) ~ 0.95Lag, Protection Class: IP54, Insulation Class: H, Work Mode: S1, Installation ModeI: M B3, Cooling Mode: Air cooling, Weight: 6950kg
12 Tecowestinghouse TW450XX (0.5-1 KW) Rated Power: 0.5 -1 KW, Rated Voltage: 460/ 575/ 690 V, Frequency: 50/ 60 Hz, Number of Poles: 4/6, Ambient Temp.(°C): -40 to 50, Speed Range (% of Synch. Speed): 68% to 134%, Power Factor (Leading): -0.90 to +0.90 , Insulation Class: H/F, Efficiency: >= 96%
13 Tecowestinghouse TW500XX (1-2 KW) Rated Power: 1-2 kW, Rated Voltage: 460/ 575/ 690 V, Frequency: 50/ 60 Hz, Number of Poles: 4/6, Ambient Temp.(°C): -40 to 50; Speed Range (% of Synch. Speed): 68 to 134%, Power Factor(Leading): -0.90 to +0.90, Insulation Class: H/F, Efficiency: >= 96%
14 Tecowestinghouse TW560XX (2-3 KW) Rated Power: 2-3kW, Rated Voltage: 460/ 575/ 690 V, Frequency: 50/ 60 Hz, Number of Poles: 4/6, Ambient Temp(°C): -40 to 50, Speed Range(% of Synch. Speed): 68 to 134%, Power Factor(Leading): -0.90 to +0.90, Insulation Class: H/F, Efficiency: >= 96%.
15 Acciona AW1500 Rated Power: 1.5MW, Rated Voltage: 690 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Number of Poles: 4, Rotational Speed: 900:1,900 rpm(rated 1,680 rpm) (50Hz), Rated Stator Current: 1,500 A @ 690 V, Protection Class: IP54, Power Factor(standard): 0.98 CAP - 0.96 IND at partial loads and 1 at nominal power, Power factor(optional): 0.95 CAP - 0.95 IND throughout the power range
16 Acciona AW3000 Rated Power: 3.0MW, Rated Voltage: 690 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Number of Poles: 4, Rotational Speed: 900:1,900 rpm(rated 1,680 rpm) (50Hz), Rated Stator Current: 1,500 A @ 690 V, Protection Class: IP54, Power Factor(standard): 0.98 CAP - 0.96 IND at partial loads and 1 at nominal power, Power Factor (optional): 0.95 CAP - 0.95 IND throughout the power range
17 General Electric GE 1.5/2.5MW Rated Power: 1.5/2.5 MW, Frequency(Hz): 50/60

Market Research

Major Players

Vestas Wind Systems, General Electric and Gamesa Innovation & Technology are the top players in terms of installed power capacity in the year 2007.

S.No. Company Installed Capacity(MW)
1 Vestas (Denmark) 4,500
2 GE Energy (United States) 3,300
3 Gamesa (Spain) 3,050
4 Enercon (Germany) 2,700
5 Suzlon (India) 2,000
6 Siemens (Denmark/Germany) 1,400
7 Acciona (Spain) 870
8 Goldwind (China - PRC) 830
9 Nordex (Germany) 670
10 Sinovel (China - PRC) 670

Source:Wind power companies

Market Overview

  • The world's wind industry defied the economic downturn in 2008 and by he end of the year 2009, the sector saw its annual market grow by 41.5% over 2008, and total global wind power capacity increased by 31.7% to 158GW in 2009.
  • US, China and Germany together hold more than 50% of the global wind power capacity.
  • Asia and North America have seen tremendous growth in the installed wind power capacity over the last 6 years.
  • Asia was the world's largest regional market for wind energy with capacity additions amounting to 15.4GW. China was the world's largest market in 2009, more than doubling its capacity from 12.1GW in 2008 to 25.8GW, adding a staggering 13.8GW of capacity.
  • China and the US account for more than 60% of the new installed capacity of 38.3GW in 2009. India's total installed capacity increased to 10.9GW with 1.3GW of new installed capacity in 2009.
  • The 2009 market for turbine installations was worth about 45 bn € or 63 bn US$ and about half a million people are now employed by the wind industry around the world.

Market Forecast

  • Global wind power capacity could reach 2,300 GW by 2030, providing up to 22% of the world's electricity needs, from the existing 2.2% in 2010.
  • Global wind capacity will stand at 409GW up from 158GW at the end of 2008. During 2014, 62.5 GW of new capacity will be added to the global total, compared to 38.3 GW in 2009
  • The annual growth rates during this period will average 20.9% in terms of total installed capacity, and 10.3% for annual market growth
  • Three regions will continue to drive the expansion of wind energy capacity: Asia, North America and Europe
  • Asia will remain the fastest growing market in the world, driven primarily by China, which is set to continue the rapid upscaling of its wind capacity and hold its position as the world’s largest annual market. Annual additions are expected to be well over 20 GW in China by 2014
  • Sustained growth is also expected in India, which will increase its capacity steadily by 2 GW every year, and be complemented by growth in other Asian markets, including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines, and potentially some others
  • By 2014, the annual market will reach 14.5 GW, and a total of 60 GW will be installed in Europe over this five year period


Source:GWEC's Global Wind Report 2009

Insights

Major Players

Major Players

Key Patents

Key Patents

IP Activity

  • Patenting activity has seen a very high growth rate in the last two years.
Year wise IP Activity

Geographical Activity

  • USA, China, Germany, Spain, and India are very active in wind energy research.
Geographical Activity

Research Trend

  • Around 86% patents are on controlling the doubly-fed induction generation(DFIG) which indicates high research activity going on in rating and controlling of the DFIG systems.

Issues in the Technology

  • 86% of the patent on DFIG operation are focusing on grid connected mode of operation, suggesting continuous operation of the DFIG system during weak and storm winds, grid voltage sags, and grid faults are major issues in the current scenario.

Emerging Player

  • Woodward is a new and fast developing player in the field of DFIG technology. The company filed 10 patent applications in the field in year 2010, while it has no prior IP activity.

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References

Background References

  1. Wind Energy History
  2. Wind Energy
  3. Wind Energy Basics
  4. How Wind Turbines Work
  5. Different types of wind turbines
  6. Onshore Vs Offshore Wind Turbines
  7. Wind Power
  8. Types of Wind Farms
  9. Offshore Technology
  10. The Fundamentals of Wind Energy
  11. Winder Tower
  12. Wind Towers
  13. Wind Turbine Blades
  14. Wind Turbine Design Styles
  15. Rotor Hub Assembly
  16. Gearbox for Wind Turbines
  17. The Wind Turbine Yaw Mechanism
  18. The Wind Turbine Yaw Mechanism
  19. Wind Turbine Generators
  20. Inside wind turbines

Image References

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