Comparison between active and passive rectification for different types of permanent magnet synchronous machines

Abstract: When using an intermittent source of energy such as wind power together with a synchronous machine a frequency converter system is needed to decouple the generator from the grid, due to the fluctuations in wind speed resulting in fluctuating electrical frequency. The aim of this master's thesis is to investigate how different types of rectification methods affect permanent magnet synchronous machines of different saliency ratios. A literature study was carried out to review the research within the area and to acquire the necessary knowledge to carry out the work. Two simulation models were created that include a permanent magnet synchronous generator driven by a wind turbine and connected to the grid via a frequency converter, where one model utilizes active rectification and one utilizes passive rectification. The simulation models were verified by carrying out an experiment on a similar setup, which showed that the simulation results coincide well with the results of the experiment. The results of the simulation study were then used to compare the rectification systems as well as investigate the affect that rotor saliency has on the system. It was shown that the active rectification provided a higher efficiency than the passive rectification system, however the saliency of the rotor had little effect on the system