Performance investigation of a current-controlled voltage-regulated PWM rectifier in rotating and stationary frames

Active front-end rectifiers with reduced input current harmonics and high input power factor will be required in the near future for utility interfaced applications. In order to meet the new and more stringent regulations with force-commutated switches, the voltage source inverter approach is superior to the conventional current source approach, in terms of number of components and control options. However, the straightforward power angle control of the rectifier is characterized by a slow response and potential stability problems. This paper proposes a current-controlled PWM rectifier as an alternative. It provides near sinusoidal input currents with unity power factor and a low output voltage ripple. Moreover, it produces a well-defined input current harmonic spectrum, exhibits fast transient response to load voltage variations, and is capable of regenerative operation. PWM pattern generation is based on a carrier technique and the current controller is implemented in the: (a) stationary (abc) frame; and (b) rotating (dqo) frame. The design and the performance of the two controller options are investigated and compared