Performance improvement and loss minimization of variable to constant frequency AC/AC converter for wind energy system

A new single stage AC to AC converter has been designed in a grid-connected wind energy conversion system which changes the variable-frequency AC output of electrical generator into a constant-frequency supply which can be fed into an electrical grid. The single stage converter eliminates multistage operation, the DC-link filter elements and thus resolves the size, weight and reliability issues. The complete system has been simulated using MATLAB/SPS for different wind conditions and results have demonstrated. The generator current is regulated to follow the optimized reference current corresponding to variation of wind speed in order to reduce the losses and increase the power capability of the system.