Environmental Aspects of Grid Connected Power Electronic Converters Control

This paper presents an unconventional view on power electronic converters control as an important factor in environmental protection. Two distinct features that are provided by the control system, namely harmonics elimination and Fault Ride-Through are addressed herein. The paper provides the discussion on how well designed and robust power converter control can influence the environment in a positive way. One of the shortcomings of power converters is emission of current harmonics which results in supply voltage distortion. The appropriate control minimizes the harmonics content which leads to energy losses reduction, especially in power transformers cores. Fault ride-through is an ability of power converter to remain connected and operating in a grid where the fault occurred. It is of paramount importance for integration of large power renewable energy sources. Shutting down e.g. large wind farm would result in engaging the conventional power plants to fill in the energy production gap.