Loss and Rating Considerations of a Wind Energy Conversion System with Reactive Compensation by Magnetic Energy Recovery Switch (MERS)

SummaryElectrical conversion system for permanent magnet wind generators is challenging due to the large rating of power semiconductor devices needed and the associated costs and losses. This motivates the search for new configurations improving these relationships. Additionally, due to the large inductance present in the generator (synchronous reactance), voltage drops results with resistive load and the generator output power is limited. Traditionally, a conventional active rectifier is used, with a 3-level type illustrated in Fig. 1a. The main challenges with this solution are the costs and also increased losses resulting from high speed switching and filter operation.A solution utilizing an active series compensation device combined with a diode bridge is investigated in this paper as shown in Fig. 1b. The series compensator supplies only reactive power with a resulting good generator utilization. This also means that the VA capability of the active semiconductor part can be reduced compared to an act...