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 consi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in2023 25th European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications (EPE'23 ECCE Europe) pp. 1 - 7
Main Authors Tang, Chengjun, Thiringer, Torbjorn
Format Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published EPE Association 04.09.2023
Subjects
Europe
Excitation system
High-voltage techniques
Hydroelectric power generation
Lifetime
MOSFET
Silicon carbide
Switching and conduction losses
Voltage
Voltage Source Converters (VSCs)
Windings
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary: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.
DOI:10.23919/EPE23ECCEEurope58414.2023.10264357