access icon free Modular input-parallel output-series DC/DC converter control with fault detection and redundancy

Large offshore wind farms require extensive sub-sea cables within the collection network. Present solutions are based around medium-voltage AC collection networks. Recent studies have highlighted the potential benefits of DC collection networks. However, achieving DC/DC conversion at the required voltage and power levels presents a significant challenge for wind-turbine power electronics. This study proposes an alternative DC collection network based around a modular DC/DC converter with input-parallel output-series connection. This modular topology can overcome the limitations imposed by semiconductor voltage ratings and provides fault-tolerant operation. Small-signal analysis of the converter is presented to be used to facilitate controller design for the converter input and output stages. A new master–slave control scheme and distributed voltage sharing controllers are proposed that ensure power sharing under all operating conditions, including during failure of a master module. This control scheme achieves fault-tolerant operation by allowing the status of master module to be reallocated to any healthy module. The proposed control scheme is validated using simulation and experimentation, considering active power sharing between modules with parameter mismatch.

Inspec keywords: distributed control; fault diagnosis; wind turbines; wind power plants; voltage control; DC-DC power convertors

Other keywords: controller design; medium-voltage AC collection networks; small-signal analysis; modular input-parallel output-series DC/DC converter control; active power sharing; parameter mismatch; semiconductor voltage ratings; distributed voltage sharing controllers; master-slave control scheme; fault detection; fault-tolerant operation; input-parallel output-series connection; wind-turbine power electronics; offshore wind farms; fault redundancy

Subjects: Wind power plants; Control of electric power systems; Voltage control; DC-DC power convertors

http://iet.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1049/iet-gtd.2015.0789
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content/journals/10.1049/iet-gtd.2015.0789
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