An experimental test bench for evaluation of techniques to enhance the wind generator integration to the grid

Abstract

Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) are currently being thoroughly studied due to its high and ever-increasing penetration in the power grid, which requires this type of power plants to function as conventional ones, providing full active and reactive power control and voltage support. Many WECS studies are often validated only by off line simulations. However, this type of validation is limited regarding accuracy and realistic features in its results, especially with regard to power grid disturbances. Therefore, this paper describes the implementation of a WECS experiment test bench, which enables theoretical studies and validation about wind energy generation, protection in electrical machinery, implementation of conventional and innovative control systems applied to enhance the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and the Low-voltage Ride Through (LVRT). Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the test bench features and capabilities applied to WECS studies.