Model, Design and Implementation of LCC Converter for Power Generation and Distributed Generation

Abstract

This paper proposes to model, design and implement a LCC (Line Commuted Converter) for power generation purpose, using alternative sources such as photovoltaic panel (PV), fuel cell and permanent magnet synchronous machine as the main power source. The converter is built with a full bridge twelve-pulse thyristor topology and connected to the alternative source through a line reactor. In order to extract maximum power from the sources, a classical maximum power point tracking algorithm (MPPT P&O) is applied. To validate the theoretical and simulated analysis, a 600 W experimental setup was built and controlled in closed loop. For the experimental results, the alternative source was represented by a variable DC power source in series with a resistor, making it possible to create controlled power steps and power events. During the operation, the grid current is analyzed in terms of power quality and an islanding event was created to analyze the converter's behavior under critical conditions. All the experimental results show perfect conformity with the theory and simulation, proving the effectiveness of this converter topology for this purpose.