Power electronic converters in wind energy systems — Considerations of reliability and strategies for increasing availability

This paper points out the need for increasing availability of the power electronic converter in offshore wind turbines by means of statistical data. Therefor possible strategies such as condition monitoring, prognosis, and fault tolerance are proposed and discussed by taking into consideration state of the art and feasibility. Fault tolerant operation is evaluated to be the most efficient way to increase availability of the converter. One fault tolerant converter topology is proposed.