LVRT Capability of DFIG-Based WECS Under Asymmetrical Grid Fault Condition

Abstract

In this paper, the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy conversion system in the asymmetrical grid fault situation is analyzed, and the control scheme for the system is proposed to follow the requirements defined by the grid codes. As analyzed in the paper, the control efforts of the negative-sequence current are much higher than that of the positive-sequence current for the DFIG. As a result, the control capability of the DFIG restrained by the dc-link voltage will degenerate for the fault type with higher negative-sequence voltage component and 2φ fault turns out to be the most serious scenario for the LVRT problem. When the fault location is close to the grid connection point, the DFIG may be out of control resulting in non-ride-through zones. In the worst circumstance when LVRT can succeed, the maximal positive-sequence reactive current supplied by the DFIG is around 0.4 pu, which coordinates with the present grid code. Increasing the power rating of the rotor-side converter can improve the LVRT capability of the DFIG but induce additional costs. Based on the analysis, an LVRT scheme for the DFIG is also proposed by taking account of the code requirements and the control capability of the converters. As verified by the simulation and experimental results, the scheme can promise the DFIG to supply the defined positive-sequence reactive current to support the power grid and mitigate the oscillations in the generator torque and dc-link voltage, which improves the reliability of the wind farm and the power system.