The DC choppers (DCCs) can not only effectively address the issue of surplus power caused by the grid faults at the receiving end of large-scale offshore wind power transmission systems
but also significantly reduce the load weight of offshore converter platforms
which are the key technologies for lightweight and reliable offshore wind power transmission systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of various DCC technologies reported in recent literature. Firstly
the existing DCC topologies are classified and their technical routes are sorted out
with a comparative analysis of the characteristics of different technical routes. Secondly
the key technologies of DCCs are summarized
focusing on power electronic switches
snubber circuits
low DC-link voltage ripple control
voltage balancing
and energy absorption. Then
different technologies are compared based on topological and operational characteristics. Finally
various challenges related to the design of DCCs are discussed from an engineering application perspective
with a view to advancing the development of DCC technologies.