Current Source Inverter Based Grid Connected Hybrid PV-Wind Power Generation Unit

This paper presents a current source inverter (CSI)-based hybrid power generation system, which uses wind turbine and photovoltaic cells (PVs). A permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is connected to the CSI using a diode rectifier and a buck converter that is used to control the speed of the rotor. Another buck converter is used to control the maximum power point tracking of PVs. The operation of proposed system is studied under normal and grid voltage dip conditions. According to new grid codes, most power generating units are supposed to remain connected to the grid during voltage sag conditions and inject reactive current to grid as defined by grid codes. The CSI has fault current limiting capability that makes it appropriate to use in grid-connected applications and during voltage sag conditions in particular. The proposed system tracks the maximum power point of wind turbine and PVs under normal mode and injects required reactive current to the grid during voltage drop. However, incorporation of CSI with the inherent behaviour of wind turbine and PVs causes fault current to be within the tolerable range for power electronic devices. Simulations are carried out by using PSCAD/EMTDC software to verify the proposed system.