Functionality, Losses, and Lifetime Comparison of Hydropower Generator Excitation System Converters

This paper examines different types of converters used in an excitation system of a hydropower generator. The investigation focuses on the functionality, losses, and lifetime considerations. Although both the two-level converter and the three-level neutral point clamped converter can deliver a consistent DC voltage to the field winding of the excitation system, the converter using Silicon Carbide MOSFET power switches has advantages, it demonstrates superior performance in terms of losses and lifetime. On the other hand, the three-level NPC converter proves to be a viable choice in scenarios where field current distortion or high voltage level requirements are present.