Efficiency and sustainability of permanent magnet synchronous generators in the expansion of Brazilian wind energy

Autores
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i3.52302
Palavras-chave:
Energy Efficiency, Wind Energy, Brazilian Electricity Grid, PMSG, DFIG
Resumo

In recent decades, wind energy has become one of the fastest-growing renewable sources worldwide, driven by the need to diversify energy matrices, reduce carbon emissions, and advance turbine technologies. In this context, comparative studies are essential to assess the performance and feasibility of different technologies. This study analyzes the application of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSG) in the expansion of Brazilian wind energy, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability. The PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) framework was adopted to formulate the main research question: how do PMSG compare to DFIG in terms of technical, economic, and sustainable performance in the context of wind power expansion in Brazil? Based on this approach, an integrative literature review was conducted to compare the techno-economic performance of PMSGs and Doubly-Fed Induction Generators (DFIG). Results indicate that PMSGs typically achieve higher efficiency (94–96% versus 91–93%), mainly due to the absence of excitation losses and gearboxes. The direct-drive configuration can reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability. Although PMSGs require higher initial investment, they tend to present lower LCOE over their lifecycle, especially in Brazil, where capacity factors range from 45% to 60%. Additionally, full-power converters enhance grid stability.

Biografia do Autor
  1. Maria Manuela Almeida Dias Silva, Universidade Federal do Piauí

    Maria Manuela Almeida Dias Silva holds a degree in Renewable Energy Technology from the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). She is currently a Master’s student in Electrical Engineering at the same institution. Her areas of interest include renewable energy, with an emphasis on wind and photovoltaic energy. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4793-561X

  2. Rafael Santos Freire Ferraz, Universidade Federal do Piauí

    Rafael Santos Freire Ferraz received the B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from the State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, in 2018, the M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from the Federal University of Espírito Santo, in 2020, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, with a focus on power processing and electrical systems from the Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2025. He is currently a Professor with the Center for Open and Distance Education, Federal University of Piauí. During his undergraduate studies, he spent time at Arizona State University, USA, and conducted research with Illinois Institute of Technology in the field of computer engineering, in 2015. His current research interests include artificial intelligence, distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, metaheuristic optimization methods, multi-objective optimization, and time-series forecasting. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8857-011X

Referências

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Cover Image
Article cover of the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering. The image features a multi-bladed metal windmill standing in a rural landscape, surrounded by extensive agricultural fields, vegetation, and distant hills beneath a clear sky. The windmill occupies the central area of the composition, highlighting the relationship between natural resource utilization, energy, and sustainability. A sign is visible on the left, attached to the structure. In the lower portion of the image, the title “Eficiência e Sustentabilidade na Energia Eólica Brasileira?” (“Efficiency and Sustainability in Brazilian Wind Energy?”) appears in white lettering, followed by the authors' identification “Silva & Ferraz (2026)” in yellow. The bottom section displays the logos of PPGCP, UFES – Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação, UFES – Campus São Mateus, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Gestão de Sistemas de Produção – NP GSP, Engenharia de Produção, and FAPES – Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do Espírito Santo. A gold banner at the bottom identifies the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering.
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Arquivos adicionais
Publicado
30.09.2026
Edição
v. 12 n. 3 (2026): N° Regular (Julho - Setembro)
Seção
ENERGIA
Licença

Direitos autorais (c) 2026 Silva, M. M. A. D., & Ferraz, R. S. F.

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Como Citar

Silva, M. M. A. D., & Ferraz, R. S. F. (2026). Efficiency and sustainability of permanent magnet synchronous generators in the expansion of Brazilian wind energy. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 12(3), 141-154. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i3.52302