Low voltage ride through capability enhancement of wind turbine generator system during network disturbance

The energy capacitor system (ECS), composed of power electronic devices and electric double layer capacitor to enhance the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability of fixed speed wind turbine generator system (WTGS) during network disturbance, is discussed. Control scheme of ECS is based on a sinusoidal pulse width modulation voltage source converter and DC?DC buck/boost converter composed of insulated gate bipolar transistors. Two-mass drive train model of WTGS is adopted because the drive train system modelling has great influence on the characteristics of wind generator system during network fault. Extensive analysis of symmetrical fault is performed with different voltage dip magnitudes and different time durations. Permanent fault because of unsuccessful reclosing is also analysed, which is one of the salient features of this study. A real grid code defined in the power system is considered and LVRT characteristic of WTGS is analysed. Finally, it is concluded that ECS (20 MW) can significantly enhance the LVRT capability of grid connected WTGS (50 MW) during network disturbance, where simulations have been carried out by using PSCAD/EMTDC.     

Application of energy capacitor system to wind power generation

In this paper, it is reported that energy capacitor system (ECS), which combines power electronic devices and electric double‐layer capacitor, can significantly decrease voltage and power fluctuations of grid‐connected fixed‐speed wind generator. The proper selection of wind farm output power reference is still a problem for smoothing the wind farm output power. This paper proposes exponential moving average to generate the reference output power of a grid‐connected wind farm. The objective of the control system is to follow the line power reference by absorbing or providing real power to or from the ECS. Moreover, the necessary reactive power can also be supplied to keep the wind farm terminal voltage at the desired reference level. Real wind speed data were used in the simulation analyses, which validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Simulation results clearly show that our proposed ECS can be suitable for wind power application. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

稳定风电输出功率的控制策略研究

为稳定风电系统输出功率,提出一种在变流器的直流侧加入超级电容器(EDLC)储能的新拓扑结构,通过分析全功率双脉宽调制交-直-交变流器的控制策略,基于永磁直驱风电机组与电网连接的拓扑结构,提出超级电容器储能系统稳定风电系统输出功率的控制策略和输出功率的解耦控制方法,分析了风电系统输出功率初始值和超级电容器容量对输出功率稳定性的影响,并针对典型风速变化给出了输出功率初始值与超级电容器容量的整定范围。     

Multivariable control algorithm for laboratory experiments in wind energy conversion

Advanced experimentation with wind energy conversion systems is described. The real time multivariable control of a wind turbine is designed for investigation of theoretical concepts and their physical implementation. The control system includes a speed controller and a disturbance estimator for enhanced robustness of the control system. In order to provide students with deeper understanding of wind energy and energy extraction, a maximum power point tracking algorithm is developed and integrated into the control system. The multivariable control system is implemented in a small wind turbine laboratory system. A power electronic interface is based on two DC–DC converters: a buck converter for control of the speed and a boost converter controlling the load voltage. Experimental results demonstrate effectiveness of the multivariable control system for a wind turbine providing maximum power extraction. The experiment can be reconfigured for teaching various control concepts to both undergraduate and graduate students.     

Maximum power point tracker of wind energy conversion system

In this paper, a simple control strategy for an optimal extraction of output power from grid connected variable speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) is presented. The system consists of a variable speed wind turbine coupled to a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) through a gear box, a diode bridge rectifier, a dc-to-dc boost converter and a current controlled voltage source inverter. The maximum power point tracker (MPPT) extracts maximum power from the wind turbine from cut-in to rated wind velocity by sensing only dc link power. The MPPT step and search algorithm in addition to the DC–DC and DC–AC converters PWM controllers are simulated using MATLAB-SIMULINK software. The obtained simulation results show that the objectives of extracting maximum power from the wind and delivering it correctly to the grid are reached.     

General study of the control principles and dynamic fault behaviour of variable-speed wind turbine and wind farm generic models

The interest towards generic models or sometimes also called standard models of wind turbine generators (WTGs) is significantly increasing. Mainly due to their improved power quality, better controllability and higher power extraction capability, variable-speed wind turbines driving a synchronous or an induction machine are capturing the global market. Throughout this paper, dynamic modelling and performance analysis of the generic models of the variable-speed WTGs, namely the doubly-fed induction generator and the fully-rated converter based WTGs, are achieved using integration between Matlab/Simulink and PSCAD/EMTDC simulation platforms. Later on, the performance of type-4 wind turbine driving a permanent magnet synchronous machine is analysed during fault and then compared with the case when driving a wound rotor induction machine. The differences in control principles and dynamic fault behaviour are highlighted. Afterwards, investigations on wind farm level are accomplished. A case study during which the developed generic models and the generic model of the variable-speed machine are compared is conducted. Different arrangements for the construction of the generic wind farm are considered.     

Control of permanent-magnet generators applied to variable-speed wind-energy systems connected to the grid

Wind energy is a prominent area of application of variable-speed generators operating on the constant grid frequency. This paper describes the operation and control of one of these variable-speed wind generators: the direct driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). This generator is connected to the power network by means of a fully controlled frequency converter, which consists of a pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) rectifier, an intermediate dc circuit, and a PWM inverter. The generator is controlled to obtain maximum power from the incident wind with maximum efficiency under different load conditions. Vector control of the grid-side inverter allows power factor regulation of the windmill. This paper shows the dynamic performance of the complete system. Different experimental tests in a 3-kW prototype have been carried out to verify the benefits of the proposed system.     

SVC对并网型风电场运行性能的影响分析

建立了风力发电机组和静止无功补偿器SVC的数学模型,并利用MATLAB/Simulink软件搭建了风电场接入电网后的仿真模型,针对风电系统中经常出现的联络线短路故障和风电场风速扰动,通过仿真计算表明,SVC不仅可以在常见的扰动下有效地提高风电场的稳定性,而且能够在快速的风速扰动下平滑风电场的有功功率输出,降低风电场对电网的冲击。     

Efficiency of three wind energy generator systems

This paper presents a method to calculate the average efficiency from the turbine shaft to the grid in wind energy converters. The average efficiency of three 500 kW systems are compared. The systems are: a conventional grid-connected four-pole induction generator equipped with a gear, a variable-speed synchronous generator equipped with a gear and a frequency converter, and a directly driven variable-speed generator equipped with a frequency converter. In this paper it is shown that a variable-speed generator system can be almost as efficient as one for constant speed, although it has much higher losses at rated load. The increased turbine efficiency that variable speed leads to has not been included in this paper. It is also found that a directly driven generator can be more efficient than a conventional four-pole generator equipped with a gear     

Power converter topologies for wind energy conversion systems: Integrated modeling,control strategy and performance simulation

This paper presents new integrated model for variable-speed wind energy conversion systems, considering a more accurate dynamic of the wind turbine, rotor, generator, power converter and filter. Pulse width modulation by space vector modulation associated with sliding mode is used for controlling the power converters. Also, power factor control is introduced at the output of the power converters. Comprehensive performance simulation studies are carried out with matrix, two-level and multilevel power converter topologies in order to adequately assert the system performance. Conclusions are duly drawn.     

Comparative study of power converter topologies and control strategies for the harmonic performance of variable-speed wind turbine generator systems

Power converters play a vital role in the integration of wind power into the electrical grid. Variable-speed wind turbine generator systems have a considerable interest of application for grid connection at constant frequency. In this paper, comprehensive simulation studies are carried out with three power converter topologies: matrix, two-level and multilevel. A fractional-order control strategy is studied for the variable-speed operation of wind turbine generator systems. The studies are in order to compare power converter topologies and control strategies. The studies reveal that the multilevel converter and the proposed fractional-order control strategy enable an improvement in the power quality, in comparison with the other power converters using a classical integer-order control strategy.     

Automatic generation control of a wind farm with variable speedwind turbines

Wind farms are considered to be negative loads from the point of view of a utility manager. Modern variable-speed wind turbines offer the possibility for controlling active and reactive power separately. This paper presents a new integrated control system of a wind farm according to the utility manager's requirements. This control system is based on two control levels: a supervisory system controls active and reactive power of the whole wind farm by sending out set points to all wind turbines, and a machine control system ensures that set points at the wind turbine level are reached. The system has been validated by numerical simulation using data from a wind farm with 37 variable-speed wind turbine situated in the North of Spain. An automatic generation control of these characteristics promises improved performance of the system and a better grid integration of the wind energy without significant extra costs     

Zero sequence method for energy recovery from a variable-speed windturbine generator

An innovative power conversion system to convert energy from a variable-frequency wind-powered induction generator to a fixed frequency output is presented. A standard six-switch DC link current regulated pulse width modulated (CRPWM) inverter is simultaneously modulated with two current components. A three-phase balanced current component at the induction generator's optimum operating frequency transfers energy from the generator to the converter. A single phase zero sequence current component at a fixed 60 Hz frequency transfers energy from the converter through a zero sequence filter to the load. Unity power factor output is shown both in simulation and experiment, though any arbitrary power factor output may be readily commanded. Maximum power capture for a variable-speed wind turbine is achieved using proven control techniques. This method uses only half of the active power switching devices of conventional conversion methods. Simulation and experimental verification are shown     

Static and dynamic wind turbine simulator using a converter controlled dc motor

This paper describes a new wind turbine simulator for dynamic conditions. The authors have developed an experimental platform to simulate the static and dynamic characteristics of real wind energy conversion system. This system consists of a 3 kW dc motor, which drives a synchronous generator. The converter is a 3 kW single-phase half-controlled converter. MATLAB/Simulink real time control software interfaced to I/O board and a converter controlled dc motor are used instead of a real wind turbine. A MATLAB/Simulink model is developed that obtains wind profiles and, by applying real wind turbine characteristics in dynamics and rotational speed of dc motor, calculates the command shaft torque of a real wind turbine. Based on the comparison between calculated torques with command one, the shaft torque of dc motor is regulated accordingly by controlling armature current demand of a single-phase half-controlled ac–dc converter. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of proposed wind turbine simulator in emulating and therefore evaluating various turbines under a wide variety of wind conditions.     

Fault ride-through capability of DFIG wind turbines

This paper concentrates on the fault ride-through capability of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbines. The main attention in the paper is, therefore, drawn to the control of the DFIG wind turbine and of its power converter and to the ability to protect itself without disconnection during grid faults. The paper provides also an overview on the interaction between variable-speed DFIG wind turbines and the power system subjected to disturbances, such as short circuit faults. The dynamic model of DFIG wind turbine includes models for both mechanical components as well as for all electrical components, controllers and for the protection device of DFIG necessary during grid faults. The viewpoint of the paper is to carry out different simulations to provide insight and understanding of the grid fault impact on both DFIG wind turbines and on the power system itself. The dynamic behaviour of DFIG wind turbines during grid faults is simulated and assessed by using a transmission power system generic model developed and delivered by the Danish Transmission System Operator Energinet.dk in the power system simulation toolbox PowerFactory DIgSILENT. The data for the wind turbines are not linked to a specific manufacturer, but are representative for the turbine and generator type used in variable-speed DFIG wind turbines with pitch control.     

Framework design of a hybrid energy system by combining wind farm with small gas turbine power plants

Owing to the stochastic characteristic of natural wind speed, the output fluctuation of wind farm has a negative impact on power grid when a large-scale wind farm is connected to a power grid. It is very difficult to overcome this impact only by wind farm itself. A novel power system called wind-gas turbine hybrid energy system was discussed, and the framework design of this hybrid energy system was presented in detail in this paper. The hybrid energy system combines wind farm with several small gas turbine power plants to form an integrated power station to provide a relatively firm output power. The small gas turbine power plant has such special advantages as fast start-up, shutdown, and quick load regulation to fit the requirement of the hybrid energy system. Therefore, the hybrid energy system uses the output from the small gas turbine power plants to compensate for the output fluctuation from the wind farm for the firm output from the whole power system. To put this hybrid energy system into practice, the framework must be designed first. The capacity of the wind farm is chosen according to the capacity and units of small gas turbine power plants, load requirement from power grid, and local wind energy resource distribution. Finally, a framework design case of hybrid energy system was suggested according to typical wind energy resource in Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China.     

Frequency deviation control by coordination control of FC and double-layer capacitor in an autonomous hybrid renewable energy power generation system

In this paper, a novel control strategy for frequency control in stand-alone application based on coordination control of fuel cells (FCs) and double-layer capacitor (DLC) bank in an autonomous hybrid renewable energy power generation system is implemented. The proposed renewable energy power generation subsystems include wind turbine generator (WTG), photovoltaic system (PV), FC system and DLC bank as energy storage system. The system performance under different condition has been verified by using real weather data. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of proposed studied hybrid power generation system feeding isolated loads in power frequency balance condition.     

Framework design of a hybrid energy system by combining wind farm with small gas turbine power plants

Owing to the stochastic characteristic of natural wind speed, the output fluctuation of wind farm has a negative impact on power grid when a large-scale wind farm is connected to a power grid. It is very difficult to overcome this impact only by wind farm itself. A novel power system called wind-gas turbine hybrid energy system was discussed, and the framework design of this hybrid energy system was presented in detail in this paper. The hybrid energy system combines wind farm with several small gas turbine power plants to form an integrated power station to provide a relatively firm output power. The small gas turbine power plant has such special advantages as fast start-up, shutdown, and quick load regulation to fit the requirement of the hybrid energy system. Therefore, the hybrid energy system uses the output from the small gas turbine power plants to compensate for the output fluctuation from the wind farm for the firm output from the whole power system. To put this hybrid energy system into practice, the framework must be designed first. The capacity of the wind farm is chosen according to the capacity and units of small gas turbine power plants, load requirement from power grid, and local wind energy resource distribution. Finally, a framework design case of hybrid energy system was suggested according to typical wind energy resource in Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China.     

Permanent-magnet machines

This paper explores the use of an interior permanent-magnet synchronous machine (IPM) as a source of controlled DC power. A three-phase diode rectifier converts the generated AC power into DC, which is further processed by a buck or boost DC-DC converter with a pulse-width modulation voltage controller for load voltage and output power regulation. The modeling and analysis of the generator system set forth are confirmed to accurately predict the generator characteristics by experimental results derived from a 2 hp interior permanent-magnet generator controlled separately by a buck and a boost DC-DC converter     

Reliability analysis of grid connected small wind turbine power electronics

Grid connection of small permanent magnet generator (PMG) based wind turbines requires a power conditioning system comprising a bridge rectifier, a dc–dc converter and a grid-tie inverter. This work presents a reliability analysis and an identification of the least reliable component of the power conditioning system of such grid connection arrangements. Reliability of the configuration is analyzed for the worst case scenario of maximum conversion losses at a particular wind speed. The analysis reveals that the reliability of the power conditioning system of such PMG based wind turbines is fairly low and it reduces to 84% of initial value within one year. The investigation is further enhanced by identifying the least reliable component within the power conditioning system and found that the inverter has the dominant effect on the system reliability, while the dc–dc converter has the least significant effect. The reliability analysis demonstrates that a permanent magnet generator based wind energy conversion system is not the best option from the point of view of power conditioning system reliability. The analysis also reveals that new research is required to determine a robust power electronics configuration for small wind turbine conversion systems.