2 ms·

Wind turbines do though - neodynium, if memory serves.

• cesarb 5y ago
  Do they require neodynium permanent magnets? AFAIK, there are generators (including big generators at hydroelectric power plants) which use electromagnets instead. The same applies to electric motors; there are some which use permanent magnets, and some (induction motors) which don't.
  • philipkglass 5y ago
    The majority of wind turbines use electromagnets. You can see it in this industry report graphic: https://nawindpower.com/gwec-tier-one-turbine-suppliers-gained-market-share-in-2018 https://nawindpower.com/gwec-tier-one-turbine-suppliers-gain... "Conventional drive" and "Direct drive - EESG DD" add up to 75.5% market share. These designs don't use permanent magnets.
• jhgb 5y ago
  They don't either, it's just that PMG turbines are somewhat more preferred if you can build them. If you can't, nothing prevents you from building turbines with induction generators.