Impact of modulation strategies on power devices loading for 10 MW multilevel wind power converter

Abstract

This paper focuses on the control and modulation of a three-level Neutral Point Clamped (3L-NPC) back-to-back full scale converter for a 10 MW direct-drive wind turbine, equipped with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). Emphasis is oriented towards the investigation of the power losses in the semiconductor devices of three-level converter adopting continuous and discontinuous PWM modulation strategies. This aspect strongly influences the operation of the converter and directly affects its efficiency. Therefore, a simulation platform is developed in Matlab/Simulink and PLECS environment to analyse the dynamics of the system using different kinds of modulation strategies, identifying which methods can improve the converter efficiency. It is concluded that 60° discontinuous PWM modulation strategies show less power losses in the semiconductor devices and will increase the overall efficiency of the converter.