Next generation converters for wind power generators.

The majority of current wind turbine converters use 690V two-level converters based on Silicon IGBTs with a typical efficiency of approx. 96% at 3kHz switching frequency.
Recent advances in semiconductor manufacturing have made Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices commercially available. Despite their benefits in terms of lower losses, higher efficiency, lower sensitivity to temperature, SiC have not gained significant market penetration in cost-sensitive applications such as wind power. Although currently more expensive than their Si counterpart, it is expected that in the near future, wider availability from a number of suppliers will make them cost competitive with Si-based solutions. This project will explore the benefits and applicability of SiC converters for wind power converters, analysing trade-offs and optimal design of the power conversion stage.