Utility interface issues for line connected PWM voltage source converters: a comparative study

This paper examines the interface issues which occur when pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage source power converters (VSCs) are connected to the utility. In particular, it investigates the line current total harmonic distortion (THD) characteristics of various current regulated PWM (CRPWM) techniques with constraints on the power converter average switching frequency (power converter efficiency) and passive filter size (filter cost). Various CRPWM methods with proper filter and controller structures have been studied and evaluated by means of computer simulations for the utility interface with a variable speed wind turbine generating system. Dynamic performance has been evaluated as well as the steady state light load, full load, leading, lagging and unity power factor operating conditions.<>