Power converters used in grid connected small wind turbines: Analisys of alternatives

Although the technology used in conventional wind power systems, consisting of large wind turbines, is well established, the technology of their little cousin, the small wind turbine, is still at the development stage. The first part of this article is given over to an introduction to the small wind turbine technology. The second part of this article describes three alternative converters, valid for use in small wind turbines, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each one of these alternatives.