Innovative High-Power Converters and Controls for Next-Generation Offshore Wind Energy Systems

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High-power converters in the megawatt range are widely used in offshore wind energy systems. Offshore wind energy is gaining increased attention because of the considerable wind resources, higher and steadier wind speeds, and because the generation of offshore wind energy has a smaller environmental impact than that of onshore wind energy. With increasing technological advancements, a new type of offshore wind energy system, the series-connected configuration based offshore wind system, has emerged. It has significant advantages over existing systems currently used in practice. One of the main advantages is that it eliminates the need for an offshore substation which is required in existing offshore wind systems to accommodate step-up transformers, power converters, and other required components. The offshore substation is very bulky and costly in terms of initial investment, subsequent operation and maintenance costs, and therefore the series-connected configuration-based offshore wind system is far more cost efficient than existing systems. On this basis, the objective of the proposed research program is to develop innovative power conversion and control for next-generation series-connected offshore wind systems. The proposed research program is expected to generate a number of leading-edge technologies and designs for next-generation offshore wind systems, including innovative offshore generator-side and onshore grid-side power converter topologies, optimal modulation and control algorithms for those power converters, and dc choke minimization schemes of the series-connected offshore wind system. The proposed research program is expected to boost and advance the research field of offshore wind energy because it addresses the pressing technical issues currently encountered in offshore wind industry and reflects the latest research trends in the field. In addition, Natural Resources Canada announced a launch of a $200 million expression of interest for the Emerging Renewable Power Program, including offshore wind energy, to expand renewable energy sources available to the country's provinces, this year, and therefore, the research program is expected to provide advanced technologies for offshore wind energy conversion systems in Canada and benefit Canada greatly.