Peak current mode control of three-phase boost rectifiers in discontinuous conduction mode for small wind power generators

Abstract

This paper presents a peak current mode control scheme of a boost rectifier with low distortion of the input current for wind power systems based on permanent magnet synchronous generators with variable speed operation. The three-phase boost rectifier is operated in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and power factor correction techniques are applied. It is shown that the DCM operation significantly reduces the total harmonic distortion of the currents in the permanent magnet synchronous generator, increasing the power factor of the system, so that the vibrations and mechanical stress of the generator are minimized. The characteristics of the DCM boost rectifier are studied considering: (1) the series resistance of the inductors; (2) the modeling and adjustment of peak current mode control yielding a stable loop; (3) the design of an input filter that reduces the switching noise in the currents of the generator.