Enhancing Wind Turbine and Fuel Cell Voltage Stability with Distribution Static Compensator

Abstract

Integrated wind farms face significant challenges due to strict grid code requirements. Maintaining voltage stability is especially important for wind farms that are connected to the electrical grid. This research paper examines how FACTS devices, specifically Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), can be used to resolve voltage stability issues in wind farms and fuel cell power plants that employ Double Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) and are connected to both loads and the power grid. During fault ride-throughs and power outages, wind farms face challenges such as voltage dips and fluctuations, which can negatively impact the grid. As a result, wind turbines require a stable grid to function effectively. In the absence of voltage stability measures, wind farms may experience reduced productivity, equipment failure, and downtime. As a dynamic voltage restorer, FACTS devices will be used. Thus, stable voltage levels are maintained, and power interruptions are prevented at DFIGbased wind farms. Three-phase impedance faults on load buses and 25% voltage sags on high voltage buses were examined in this study. STATCOMs were implemented as dynamic voltage restorers during fault ride-throughs and power grid disruptions in the MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations to mitigate voltage dips and fluctuations experienced by wind farms and fuel cells. Simulation results showed that STATCOMs significantly reduced downtime, increased power output, and minimized equipment failures in wind farms. Index terms: DFIG, Wind turbine, short circuit, Voltage Sag and STATCOM.