Wind turbine concept market penetration over 10 years (1995-2004)

The aim of this article is to investigate the market penetration and share of different wind turbine concepts during the years 1995-2004, a period that represents the maturational era of the modem wind power industry. A detailed overview is given based on suppliers' market data and concept evaluation for each individual wind turbine type sold by the Top Ten suppliers over the selected decade. The investigation is processing information on approximately 160 wind turbine types from 22 different manufacturers that have featured in the Top Ten list of wind turbine suppliers during 1995-2004. The analysis is based on comprehensive data covering approximately 97% of the cumulative wind power installed worldwide at the end of 2004. The article also provides an overall perspective on contemporary wind turbine concepts, classified with respect to both their speed control ability and power control type. Current and future trends for wind turbine concepts are discussed. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.