Coupling DFIG-Based Wind Turbines with the Grid under Voltage Imbalance Conditions

Abstract

A smooth coupling is implemented between the grid and doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbines (DFIG-WTs) during grid voltage imbalance. The nonlinear characteristics of a grid-connected DFIG-WT system may increase stresses on the mechanical and electrical components of wind turbines. Such difficulties are greatly increased during periods of voltage imbalance. Consequently, in this paper, a new control scheme is proposed to regulate DFIGs in order to support a smooth connection to the grid during voltage imbalance. In synchronization mode, the positive sequence of the rotor dq-axes currents regulates the stator q-axis EMF that is to be synchronized with the q-axis voltage of the grid-side voltage. The phase difference between the grid and stator voltages is compensated by adjusting the stator d-axis EMF to zero. Under normal conditions, a PR controller is used to dampen the negative sequence of the rotor dq-axes currents. PI current controllers are tuned to control the positive sequence of the DFIG rotor currents, while PR current controllers are used to regulate the negative sequence of the rotor currents during synchronization and under normal operation conditions. Experiments are performed to verify the smooth synchronization of the DFIG and the robustness of the proposed control scheme during grid voltage imbalance.