Comparison of modulation strategies driving a three-phase PWM delta-switch rectifier in wind energy conversion systems applications

Energy generation through wind energy conversion systems (WECS) is expected to supply a considerable amount of electricity in the world's generation matrix. In this context, variable-speed wind turbines equipped with full-scale power electronic converters allow a WECS to be operated close to its maximum power point at each time instant. Furthermore, modern power converter guarantee high power quality, high conversion efficiency levels, reliability and flexibility. This work reviews and compares two types of modulation schemes to two novel ones that are able to drive a Δ-switch rectifier. The presented theoretical analysis is based on a WECS application. Circuit simulation and experimental results verify the operation with the considered strategies. It is shown that one of the novel sub-optimal modulation patterns presents very high performance without the need of a precise sector identification scheme.