Energy efficient inverters for wind energy applications

In this paper, efficiency and standby mode of operation of power conversion unit for wind power application is investigated. Mathematical model to calculate the power losses in three phase voltages source inverters, LCL filters, DC link capacitors and disconnect switches are presented. A comparison of inverter losses with sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM), space vector PWM and discontinuous PWM (DPWM) is discussed. Selection of power modules based on switching frequency, effect of modulation and gate resistance are presented. Techniques to improve the efficiency of the power conversion units are provided. The standby mode of operation is proposed to saves energy during unavailability of wind power. Efficiency of power conversion unit is calculated based on mathematical model and compare it with actual measurement.