Comparative evaluation of three-phase PWM voltage- and current-source converter topologies in FACTS applications

To date, all of the existing and planned converter-based FACTS controllers are realized based on the voltage-source converter topology. With the evolution of high-performance semiconductor switches and super-conducting materials for inductors, and also with the development of new modeling and control techniques, current-source converter topology is gaining ground in competition with the voltage-source converter topology in high-power applications, including FACTS controllers. In this paper, the voltage- and current-source converter topologies are compared from different viewpoints of device rating, DC-side energy storage requirement, AC-side waveform quality, start-up, and cost. The comparative evaluation of the two topologies is performed based on analysis, as well as experimental results.