Zero-current transition converters for independent small scale power network system using lower power wind turbines

Zero-current transition (ZCT) converters for wind power generation systems are proposed. In order to reduce switching losses and noises, a soft-switching technique is adopted. It is suitable for the pulse-width modulation (PWM), because the resonant transition is very short duration and it is independent of the switching frequency. A laboratory prototype using a digital controller for the ZCT converter is assembled. From the PSPICE simulation and experimental results, the zero-current transition operation of the main switch is confirmed and the efficiency of the converter is improved. The proposed converters are suitable for independent small scale power network system using lower power wind turbines