Matrix converter efficiency in a high frequency link offshore WECS

An offshore wind park layout of series connected turbines with HVDC transmission is presented in this paper. The Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) features a matrix converter as full converter interface. The efficiency of the matrix converter is the object of this paper and a preliminary loss investigation is conducted to determine which matrix converter topology and switch configuration are the most efficient.The two different topologies of the matrix converter that are investigated by simulation are the conventional and indirect matrix converter. Furthermore the losses in the matrix converter will be computed for different implementations of the switches, using both RB-IGBTs connected in anti-parallel and IGBTs in anti-series with diodes in anti-parallel. RB-IGBTs are not available at high ratings and series and parallel connections of small rating devices are necessary. High rating IGBTs and diodes are available. However they present poorer switching behavior than small rating devices. Thus the losses are computed both for high rating IGBTs and diodes and series and parallel connections of low rating IGBTs and diodes.