Implementation of a D-STATCOM control strategy based on direct power control method for grid connected wind turbine

Abstract

Distributed generation (DG) is getting increasing relevancy on the electric energy production. In Tunisia, the increase of the installed wind power has an impact on the grid transmission due to the intermittence of production. Grid operators have now enough field experience to adapt the existing grid codes to the new energy mix. DG systems have proved that they can contribute to grid stability using power converters and control algorithms. Therefore, the installation of the FACT devices is necessary to guarantee the high energy quality and electrical grid stability. STATCOMs present the FACTs which are currently used. This paper presents the main effects of the DG connection to a grid and the role of STATCOM to reduce undesirable effects, making the DG fully operable. Thus, a STATCOM control strategy based on DPC is proposed to show the impact of this device on the quality of electrical power system. The advantage of the proposed technique is to enhance the voltage profile in steady state operation and under different working conditions and sags voltage. Moreover, STATCOM improves the transient voltage stability and therefore helps the wind turbine generator system to remain in service during grid faults. The proficiency and functionality of the proposed controller are demonstrated through detailed theoretical analysis. Computer simulation using the Matlab/Simulink software is performed. Accordingly, a hardware prototype employing a dSpace 1104 board -based system is built for final verification test. Experimental results show that the proposed control method is very effective.