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Mehrdad Kazerani, University of Waterloo: Differential Power Processing in Offshore Wind Farms
Our recent research demonstrates that close similarity of wind speeds of individual turbines within an offshore wind farm can be exploited through differential power processing, resulting in significant efficiency and equipment size improvements. We propose a new offshore wind farm with DC collection system and series-connected wind turbines based on partial power processing converters (PPPCs), where PPPCs merely process wind turbine output power differences to achieve maximum power point operation. The presentation addresses design considerations for successful system operation, outlines conversion efficiency gains and handling of wind turbine startup procedures and seeks a methodology to appropriately determine PPPC device ratings.