Implementation of a series Z-source very sparse matrix converter in a PMSG-based WECS

Abstract

A new bidirectional Z-source Matrix Converter is introduced and designed to be implemented in a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) using a direct-drive Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). It is designed to overcome the main constraints of matrix converters such as their relatively complex modulation techniques, their high number of semiconductor switches and their voltage gain limited to 0.866. It is implemented in a PMSG-based WECS. The control strategy is based on the Rotor-Flux-Orientation Control and the optimal Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm while the modulation technique is the Space Vector Modulation (SVM). The performances of the overall WECS with the proposed control strategy are examined under wind speed variations. The impact of wind speed intermittency on the frequency responses is evaluated and results show that the Series Z-Source Very Sparse Matrix Converter (SZS-VSMC) is a promising solution for storage-free step-up AC-AC conversion applied in PMSG-based WECSs. The effectiveness of the proposed power converter and its implementation are verified using MATLAB/Simulink simulations performed initially with a RL load and then connected to the grid.