Multilevel Inverter Modulation Scheme For Grid Connected Wind Turbines

Abstract

The design of a multilevel D-STATCOM inverter for small to mid-size (10–20kW) permanent-magnet wind or solar installations. The proposed inverter can actively regulate the reactive power on individual feeder lines at a programmable output while providing the variable output power of the renewable energy source. The aim is to provide utilities with distributive control of VAR compensation and power factor correction on feeder lines. The designed inverter utilizes a 5- level hybrid-clamped multilevel voltage-source converter topology and uses the optimized harmonic stepped waveform technique for harmonic elimination. The topology allows for the separation of active and reactive power control and the ability to operate under any load conditions. The aim of the work is to design a new type of inverter with FACTS capabilities to provide utilities with more knowledge about the distribution systems, specifically on end points. MMC has a modular design based on identical converter cells which make it a suitable choice for highlevel applications. Wind turbine installation and purchase are handled under three different payment scenarios paid in full up front, paid through a second mortgage, or paid as part of a first mortgage. The simulations are obtained by MATLAB/SIMULINK.