Citation :

R. Senthamil Selvan, "High-Frequency, High-Density Power Conversion Systems using Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Next-Generation Wind Turbines: A Comparative Analysis of Converter Topologies," International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 194-202, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V13I4P115

Abstract

The ever-increasing scale of offshore wind turbines (≥10 MW) places stringent demands on power conversion systems, with higher efficiency, greater power density, and reduced cooling volume required to lower nacelle mass and Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE). This paper presents a comparison of three converter architectures, simulated for a 10MW Type-4 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) wind turbine. The first one is a 3L-NPC Si-IGBT-based 3L-baseline converter, the second one is an all-SiC-based 3L-ANPC converter, and the third one is a proposed hybrid 3L-T-Type converter where the outer switches are SiC MOSFETs, and inner/clamping switches are GaN HEMTs. Each converter model was exercised with identical duty cycles in MATLAB/Simulink/PLECS using an established hourly operating dataset, which was filtered and checked against available open wind data and a business turbine power curve. The hybrid T-type is the best trade-off model in terms of efficiency, thermal stress, and mass, with the highest weighted average efficiency (98.84 percent), the lowest annual energy loss (115.8 MWh), and estimated mass (about 210 kg). The results indicate that WBG-based designs are much better than the Si baseline, which is switching and conduction loss. The device selection and topology decisions are given credence by datasheets and most of the existing research on the use of SiC/GaN in high-power converters. Notable discoveries, limitations, and recommendations to future experiments (hardware-in-the-loop/prototype) are outlined.

Keywords

Power Conversion, Wide Band Gap Semiconductors, Wind Turbines, Converter Topology, PMSG, Thermal Stress, Energy Loss.

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