Evaluating power converters using a wind-system simulator

Urban integration of wind generators demands direct injection of the energy produced to the grid. Battery-based electrical storage is usually expensive in terms of direct cost, space, and maintenance. Direct grid-injection implies AC-AC conversion where the input source, a synchronous alternator, has a variable output voltage and frequency. This conversion is usually realized with two converters. The first stage has to accomplish a power factor corrected rectification, whereas the second one implements the DC-to-AC conversion. Different converter topologies can be proposed for both stages. To optimize the overall system, a wind-system simulator is required to make repeatable experiments. MPPT algorithms can also be examined. This paper considers the development of such experimental tool, boarding the evaluation of some three-phase PFC rectifiers.