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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

A composite converter architecture for wind energy systems tied to an AC grid

Abstract

dc:description

As development of new wind turbines aim for higher output power, the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) is being replaced by the permanent magnet synchronous generator(PMSG). PMSGs have higher efficiency and torque density which enables compact, direct-drive wind turbines. However, these systems do not have the benefit of allowing power electronics to process partial power as a DFIG would. This thesis analyzes a composite converter architecture for tying PMSG-based wind energy conversion systems to an AC grid that reduces the use of high-frequency switches. The system is a partial power processing converter featuring two processing paths, both of which are fed by a multi-port PMSG. The first path comprises a passive rectifier and line-frequency inverter. The second path utilizes an active rectifier and inverter which employ pulse-width modulation. The two inverters drive either end of an open-winding transformer. The line-frequency path uses reliable, efficient, and inexpensive diodes and switches to process the majority of the power. The high frequency path uses high frequency switches but only processes 10% of the rated power at most. A design framework for minimizing switch rating shows a reduction in high frequency switch-VA rating by 68%. This results in an overall loss reduction ranging between 46.8% and 53% depending on the extracted power. Control and modulation strategies and a maximum power point tracking algorithm are presented. Experimental results obtained from a laboratory prototype validate the performance and the effectiveness of the proposed converter architecture, and its control and modulation strategies. The voltage ripple present in the two dc-links of this system and RMS current stress placed on the dc-link capacitors is quantified. This approach opens up opportunities for integrating ac-collection networks through an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective energy conversion system.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.S.
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Electrical & Computer Engr
Grantor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Year dc:date
2024

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Paximadas, Jason Orestis
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Banerjee, Arijit

Subjects

dc:subject × 5

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • Copyright 2024 Jason Paximadas
Language dc:language
en, eng

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124469

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Base URL
www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Paximadas, Jason Orestis. A composite converter architecture for wind energy systems tied to an AC grid. Thesis thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2024. https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124469