A Distributed Control Scheme Using SiC-Based Low Voltage Ride-Through Compensator for Wind Turbine Generators.

Chao-Tsung Ma,Zong-Hann Shi

doi:10.3390/mi13010039

Abstract

As the penetration of renewable energy power generation, such as wind power generation, increases low voltage ride-through (LVRT), control is necessary during grid faults to support wind turbine generators (WTGs) in compensating reactive current to restore nominal grid voltages, and maintain a desired system stability. In contrast to the commonly used centralized LVRT controller, this study proposes a distributed control scheme using a LVRT compensator (LVRTC) capable of simultaneously performing reactive current compensation for doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-, or permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based WTGs. The proposed LVRTC using silicon carbide (SiC)-based inverters can achieve better system efficiency, and increase system reliability. The proposed LVRTC adopts a digital control scheme and dq-axis current decoupling algorithm to realize simultaneous active/reactive power control features. Theoretical analysis, derivation of mathematical models, and design of the control scheme are initially conducted, and simulation is then performed in a computer software environment to validate the feasibility of the system. Finally, a 2 kVA small-scale hardware system with TI’s digital signal processor (DSP) as the control core is implemented for experimental verification. Results from simulation and implementation are in close agreement, and validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Highlights

In recent years, the worldwide demand for energy has been rapidly growing to support the development of various modern technologies; the vast use of fossil fuels has negatively affected the environment
Most research papers on grid-connected PMSGbased wind turbine generators (WTGs) (PMSG-WTGs) found in open literature have focused on advanced control schemes, low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capacity, and operating modes
This study proposes a distributed control scheme to enhance LVRT capabilities of small- and medium-size permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-WTGs using silicon carbide (SiC)-based inverters

Summary

Introduction

The worldwide demand for energy has been rapidly growing to support the development of various modern technologies; the vast use of fossil fuels has negatively affected the environment. Renewable energy (RE)-based distributed power generation (DG) has been intensively researched in the past decade. The penetration of various grid-connected DG systems is expected to keep increasing. As a result, utilizing advanced power converter-based compensators to work with RE-based generation systems and existing grids are one of the most important tasks in ensuring the voltage stability and power quality (PQ) of distribution systems regardless of the naturally intermittent characteristic of RE-based power generation. Wind power generation is currently one of the most promising RE sources because it can generate a considerable amount of electrical energy in a short period of time. Most research papers on grid-connected PMSGbased WTGs (PMSG-WTGs) found in open literature have focused on advanced control schemes, low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capacity, and operating modes.

Objectives

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Discussion

Conclusion