Low-voltage Ride-through Capability Research Articles

Phaselet-Based Limited-Time $q$-Axis DC Offset Voltage Injection for Detection of Islanding of DG and Fault in a Meshed Microgrid

Rapid grid integration of inverter-interfaced distributed generators (DGs) and low-voltage ride-through capability of the smart inverter, as per IEEE 1547 standard, has made unintentional islanding detection (UID) cumbersome. Also, the feeder reconfiguration capability in meshed microgrids with multiple DGs has made the existing UID techniques ineffective. The methods have limitations in UID for small power mismatch conditions characterizing nondetection zone (NDZ). In hybrid methods for UID, a disturbance injection is continuous or for an extended period, which degrades the power quality (PQ) and creates stability issues. Hence, a decentralized closed-loop hybrid islanding detection method (HIDM) based on the indices extracted from the subcycle phaselet (passive) technique with limited-time (only for two cycles) <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$q$</tex-math></inline-formula> -axis dc offset voltage injection (active) is proposed for UID of DGs. The proposed HIDM mitigates the NDZ due to the closed-loop scheme. Subcycle estimations from the phaselet technique result in quick UID and fault detection and classification process. Furthermore, the PQ issue is reduced due to the limited-time voltage injection (based only on the command from phaselet technique) in the proposed HIDM. Simulation results from the real-time digital simulator on a meshed microgrid and performance comparison with other existing methods prove the efficacy of the proposed HIDM.

A novel model predictive control with an integrated SOC and floating DC-link voltage balancing for 3-phase 7-level PUC converter-based MV BESS

Compared to conventional multilevel topologies, the Packed U-Cell multilevel topology utilizes the minimum number of components and provides both maximum voltage levels and high reliability. When used in a battery energy storage system, its dc-link consists of a top branch battery storage and bottom branch flying capacitors, whose state of charge and voltages must be balanced.This paper proposes a novel control scheme with two cascaded controllers: the inner loop regulates the output filter current and dc-link voltages using a novel finite-set model predictive control, the outer one is fully integrated with the model predictive controller and regulates the battery state of charge by injecting a zero-sequence voltage. The proposed control scheme was successfully implemented and tested through simulation and real-time testing. The obtained results highlight good dynamic performance and robustness of the proposed scheme during active power injection/absorption and low voltage ride-through capability.

Topology and Control Strategy of PV MVDC Grid-Connected Converter with LVRT Capability

This paper proposes an isolated buck-boost topology and control strategy for the photovoltaic (PV) medium-voltage DC (MVDC) converter with low-voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. The proposed isolated buck-boost topology operates on either boost or buck mode by only controlling the active semiconductors on the low-voltage side. Based on this topology, medium-voltage (MV) dc–dc module is able to be developed to reduce the number of modules and increase the power density in the converter, which corresponds to the first contribution. As another contribution, a LVRT method based on an LC filter for MVDC converter is proposed without additional circuit and a feedback capacitor current control method for the isolated buck-boost converter is proposed to solve the instability problem caused by the resonance spike of the LC filter. Five kV/50 kW SiC-based dc–dc modules and ±10 kV/200 kW PV MVDC converters were developed. Experiments of the converter for MVDC system in the normal and LVRT conditions are presented. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology and control strategy.

Performance of Low Voltage Ride-Through Protection Techniques for DFIG Wind Generator.(Dept.E)

Due to the increase of the number of wind turbines connected directly to the electric utility grid, new regulator codes have been issued that require Low-Voltage Ride-Through capability (LVRT) for wind turbines so that they can remain online and support the electric grid during low voltage fault events instead of direct tripping of the wind turbines. This LVRT capability will increase the stability of the network and reduce the need for load shedding after the fault clearance. Each utility has its own grid codes for this LVRT. There are many types of wind generators, and currently the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is the most popular type among the leading wind turbine (WT) manufacturers. In this paper five LVRT methods for protection of DFIG during LV events are implemented and compared. The five methods are Crowbar, DC Chopper, series dynamic resistances, and two hybrid methods that combine DC chopp er with Crowbar and DC chopper with series dynamic resistances respectively. These methods were tested under different types of fault including symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults and their performances were compared.

LVRT capability based on P‐V curve fitting under partial shading conditions

The new generation of photovoltaic (PV) systems represents higher sustainability during grid faults thanks to increased ancillary services, such as low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability used when the PV system is subjected to voltage sag. Unlike previously presented strategies that just dealt with voltage sag problem under uniform radiation conditions, in this study, a new control strategy implementing LVRT capability during low-voltage faults under partial shading conditions is proposed. First, radiation levels are estimated by using the least-squares curve fitting (LSCF) algorithm. Second, the voltage/current of maximum power points (MPPs) and minimum power points are calculated. Also, the corresponding algebraic function for the (Power - Voltage) P-V curve is extracted using only PV voltage and power vectors. Finally, under partial shading conditions, the moving operating point to the right side of MPP is well-achieved through a power proportional-integral controller. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, simulations and experiments are conducted on PV systems. The simulation and experimental results and the comparison made between this algorithm's performance and other methods confirm that the proposed algorithm outperforms other methods in terms of high accuracy, fast dynamic and low oscillations in different partial shading conditions and with different radiations.

Improved Low Voltage Ride-Through Capability of DFIG with ESO Controller under Unbalanced Network Conditions

Under unbalanced grid condition, in a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG), voltage, current, and flux of the stator become asymmetric. Therefore, active-reactive power and torque will be oscillating. In DFIG controlling Rotor Side Converter (RSC) aims to eliminate power and torque oscillations. However, simultaneous elimination of the power and torque oscillations is not possible. Also, Grid Side Converter (GSC) aims to regulate DC-Link voltage. In this paper, in order to regulate DC-Link voltage, an Extended State Observer (ESO) based on a Generalized Proportional-Integral (GPI) controller, is employed. In this controlling method, DC-Link voltage is controlled without measuring the GSC current, and due to using the GPI controller, the improved dynamic response is resistant against voltage changes, and the settling time is reduced. To improve the transient stability and Low Voltage Fault Ride Through (LVRT) capability of DFIG, Statistic Fault Current Limiter (S-FCL) and Magnetic Energy Storage Fault Current Limiter (MES-FCL) are proposed in this paper. The proposed FCL does not only limit the fault current but also fasten voltage recovery. The simulations are implemented by MATLAB software in the synchronous positive and negative sequence reference (d-q).

Low voltage ride-through control strategy for virtual synchronous generators based on virtual self-inductive flux linkage

Virtual synchronous generators (VSGs), with the operational characteristics of synchronous generators (SGs), have been employed in renewable energy generation grid-connected systems to solve the problem of insufficient equivalent inertia, which is caused by the high permeability of distributed generation systems in the grid. However, a VSG does not possess low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability. A novel LVRT control strategy for a VSG based on virtual self-inductive flux linkage is proposed in this paper. First, the electromagnetic transient response mechanism of a SG under grid faults is analyzed in detail. Then, a memory and retention strategy are proposed to simulate the effect of the switch law. Furthermore, the virtual q-axis armature self-inductance is introduced into the VSG and a virtual self-inductive magnetic chain is utilized to block the change of the transient fault current. This helps the inverter adjust the output voltage quickly. In addition, under the premise of meeting the reactive power margin, the reactive power compensation strategy is optimized to achieve a quick response in terms of the reactive power compensation of grid faults, which is helpful for realizing the LVRT of a VSG. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed LVRT method are verified by thorough simulation results.

Low Voltage Ride Through Controller for a Multi-Machine Power System Using a Unified Interphase Power Controller

In recent years, grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power generations have become the most extensively used energy resource among other types of renewable energies. Increasing integration of PV sources into the power network and their dynamic performances under fault conditions is an important issue for grid code requirements. In this paper, a PV source as a unified interphase power controller (UIPC) is used to enhance the low voltage ride through (LVRT) and transient stability of a multi-machine power system. The suggested PV-based UIPC consists of two series voltage inverters and a parallel inverter. The UIPC injects the required active and reactive power to prevent voltage drop under grid fault conditions. Accordingly, a dynamic control system is designed based on proportional-integral (PI) controllers for the PV-based UIPC to operate in both normal and fault conditions. Simulations are done using Matlab/Simulink software, and the performance of the PV-based UIPC is compared with the conventional unified power flow controller (UPFC). The results of this study indicate the more favorable impact of the PV-based UIPC on the system compared to UPFC in improving LVRT capabilities and transient stability.

A Novel Saturated Amorphous Alloy Core Based Fault Current Limiter for Improving the Low Voltage Ride Through Capability of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Based Wind Turbines

This article proposes the use of a novel saturated amorphous alloy core-based fault current limiter (SAACFCL) to improve the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy systems, especially during voltage sag events. Compared to the traditional cores, which are widely used in fault current limiter (FCL), amorphous alloy core possesses a very narrow B-H loop, which indicates that the SAACFCL requires a smaller dc excitation current, and it will incur low core losses. Under normal conditions, this developed SAACFCL accomplishes low impedance and has a negligible impact on the network operation. During grid faults, a deep voltage sag causes large fault currents that desaturate the SAACFCL core, increasing its impedance, which limits the fault currents and improves the LVRT capability of DFIG systems. The SAACFCL is designed and characterized by ANSYS software. To validate the performance of the SAACFCL, a DFIG-based system equipped with the SAACFCL has been modeled in MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results with and without the SAACFCL show that the SAACFCL is capable to achieve the LVRT successfully and can meet the grid code requirement. The performance of the SAACFCL has also been compared with that of the saturated iron core FCL (SICFCL) and superconducting FCL (SFCL). The SAACFCL promises better performances than SICFCL and SFCL. A small scale SAACFCL has been designed, developed, and tested in the laboratory to check its performance. The experimental results show that the proposed SAACFCL can effectively reduce the level of fault current and mitigate voltage sag experienced by the DFIG.

Augmentation of Low Voltage Ride through (LVRT) Capability using ANN based electric spring for a Grid-tied Wind Energy Conversion System

Electric Spring (ES) is an innovative approach for distributed voltage control (DVC) whereas at the same time accomplishing nominal demand-side management (DSM) technique for continuously varying renewable energy sources. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of ES when deployed in enormous quantities across the grid-connected power distribution system, it is important to build easy and reliable simulation models of ES that can be integrated into large-scale simulation studies of the power system. The ES study gap identification method defines the ES dynamic simulation methodology that is appropriate for the WECS grid-connected voltage and frequency control studies. The integration of WECS to the electric grid leads to many serious power quality problems. Low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability improvement is one of the important constraints in grid connected WECS. This articleexamines the enhancement of LVRT capability of Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based grid connected WECS by usingES. The effectiveness of proposed Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based Electric spring controller is compared with existing PI controller using MATLAB/Simulink software. It is evident that the proposed controller nurtures the trustworthiness of WECS when integrated with existing electric power grid system.

Hybrid control approach for low-voltage ride-through capability in doubly-fed induction generator-based wind turbines

Grid-connected doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines are very sensitive to voltage dip problems that occur in grid side. Therefore, different low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability methods are used to decrease the voltage dip problems. In this study, it is aimed to present a hybrid control approach to provide LVRT capability in DFIG. Moreover, it is aimed to develop electromotive-force (emf) models in a stator-rotor circuit. The rotor emf model is used to compensate for the voltage dip and reduce the oscillations while using the stator emf model to ensure the ease of calculation and accuracy of the simulation study. In the results, this paper is reporting that the hybrid control approach proposed in this study has given yield effective and better results in comparison with those of the conventional DFIG model.

Investigating the frequency fault ride through capability of solar photovoltaic system: Replacing battery via virtual inertia reserve

The low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability is an important aspect of the microgrid system, dominated by renewable energy sources (RES). Earlier studies investigate the LVRT capabilities of microgrids but ignore their frequency stability during and after the fault scenario. This paper fills this gap by investigating the frequency fault ride through (FFRT) capability of photovoltaic (PV) based microgrid model and suggests a novel PI-based virtual damping (PIVD) controller for enhancing the dynamic performance. This controller tracks the frequency error and de-loads the solar power in the same proportion. This de-loading creates useful virtual inertia reserve (VIR), which replaces the role of battery storage by stabilizing the grid during the contingency period. To validate the effectiveness, a microgrid assisted with the PIVD controller is simulated in MATLAB and its frequency performance is compared with pre-existing conventional and ESS models. The comparative results confirm that the proposed model is capable of riding through the severe fault scenario, with the least possible frequency deviation.

The LVRT Control Scheme for PMSG-Based Wind Turbine Generator Based on the Coordinated Control of Rotor Overspeed and Supercapacitor Energy Storage

With the increasing penetration level of wind turbine generators (WTGs) integrated into the power system, the WTGs are enforced to aid network and fulfill the low voltage ride through (LVRT) requirements during faults. To enhance LVRT capability of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based WTG connected to the grid, this paper presents a novel coordinated control scheme named overspeed-while-storing control for PMSG-based WTG. The proposed control scheme purely regulates the rotor speed to reduce the input power of the machine-side converter (MSC) during slight voltage sags. Contrarily, when the severe voltage sag occurs, the coordinated control scheme sets the rotor speed at the upper-limit to decrease the input power of the MSC at the greatest extent, while the surplus power is absorbed by the supercapacitor energy storage (SCES) so as to reduce its maximum capacity. Moreover, the specific capacity configuration scheme of SCES is detailed in this paper. The effectiveness of the overspeed-while-storing control in enhancing the LVRT capability is validated under different levels of voltage sags and different fault types in MATLAB/Simulink.

A Co-ordinated Ride Through Capability and Power Quality Enhancement Scheme for Grid tied PMSG based Wind Energy

The quality of injected current into the grid and low voltage ride-through capability (LVRT) for a grid tied PMSG wind energy is essential for grid operators. Under unbalanced fault conditions and grid-distorted conditions, the negative sequence current injects into the power electronic converter and leads to the wind turbine's disconnection. However, as per the latest grid codes, wind turbines must not disconnect from the grid system. The power electronic converter on the generator side completely decoupled from disturbances on-grid side. Therefore, the effect of unbalanced and grid distorted current has less effect on machine side converter. However, the grid side converter is greatly affected since it is directly coupled to an external grid. The negative sequence grid voltage under unbalanced and distorted grid conditions introduces an unbalanced grid current, which results in fluctuations in dc-link voltage, rotor speed, torque active, and reactive power. Therefore, this paper suggests a Proportional Resonant controller (PR) for Grid side inverter of PMSG to enhance the ride-through capability and enhances the quality of injected grid current under adverse grid faults. The proposed scheme for grid-tied PMSG wind turbine system is simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK platform. The usefulness of the proposed scheme is validated by comparing it with a typical PI control scheme https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.13090127.2021.11.2.4.3

Enhanced LVRT capability of Wind Turbine based on DFIG using Dynamic Voltage Restorer controlled by ADRC-based Feedback control

For grid-connected DFIG-based wind turbine, Fault Ride Through (FRT) or Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) capability is vital problem that need to be improved. This paper proposes an Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) strategy applied to Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based Wind turbine (WT), which integrates a Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR). The DVR connect in series the DFIG output terminal and the utility grid. The ADRC scheme of the new topology DFIG-based WT with integrated DVR is designed to compensate grid voltage disturbances, which in turn meet LVRT requirement and increase the level of wind power penetration. The performance of this WT-DFIG-DVR structure is investigated in different operating scenarios in order to show the skills of the designed controllers.

Impact of Phase Angle Jump on DFIG Under LVRT Conditions: Challenges and Recommendations

The increased penetration of wind power has made its low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability more crucial than ever. Currently, the LVRT performance of wind generators is verified using experimental voltage sags with different magnitudes and durations. The actual fault, however, also causes the phase angle jump (PAJ) of the grid voltage. In this paper, the impact of PAJ on the LVRT capability of doubly fed inductor generator (DFIG) under three-phase fault is analyzed. To achieve this, detailed analytical calculations and experimental verifications are conducted. The results demonstrate that the PAJ imposes more challenges on the LVRT by intensifying the rotor overcurrent through the natural stator flux. As a result, DFIGs that have passed the existing LVRT test may still fail to comply with the grid code requirements in practice. To tackle this issue, an improved test procedure is recommended. The new procedure considers the impedance angle of the target system as an additional test condition, thus can reveal the LVRT performance of DFIG under the potential PAJ.

Improving low-voltage ride-through capability of a multimegawatt DFIG based wind turbine under grid faults

Large integration of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind turbines (WTs) into power networks can have significant consequences for power system operation and the quality of the energy supplied due to their excessive sensitivity towards grid disturbances. Under voltage dips, the resulting overcurrent and overvoltage in the rotor circuit and the DC link of a DFIG, could lead to the activation of the protection system and WT disconnection. This potentially results in sudden loss of several tens/hundreds of MWs of energy, and consequently intensifying the severity of the fault. This paper aims to combine the use of a crowbar protection circuit and a robust backstepping control strategy that takes into consideration of the dynamics of the magnetic flux, to improve DFIG’s Low-Voltage Ride Through capability and fulfill the latest grid code requirements. While the power electronic interfaces are protected, the WTs also provide large reactive power during the fault to assist system voltage recovery. Simulation results using Matlab/Simulink demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in terms of dynamic response and robustness against parametric variations.

Modified demagnetisation control strategy for low‐voltage ride‐through enhancement in DFIG‐based wind systems

The large-scale wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) based on doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) are very popular in recent years due to the numerous technical and economic benefits. With the increasing penetration level of wind energy, the latest grid codes require the DFIG-based WECSs to remain connected to the grid under grid fault scenarios and deliver the required reactive power into the grid. However, the direct connection of the stator of the DFIG to the grid makes it prone to grid disturbances, especially to voltage sag. This study proposes a modified demagnetisation control strategy to enhance the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of the DFIG under grid faults. The proposed control strategy is implemented in a coordinated approach by using the existing demagnetisation control and the addition of an external resistance in the stator side of the DFIG. The demagnetisation control damps the direct current component of the stator flux and the external resistance accelerates the damping of the transient flux by decreasing the time constant and hence, enhancing the LVRT capability of DFIG. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated under both symmetrical and asymmetrical grid faults simulated system through MATLAB/Simulink®. The comparative results justify the merits of the proposed methodology.

Optimal allocation of STATCOM for enhancing LVRT capability of wind farms using Taguchi method

As a result of the increasing penetration of renewables in power systems, wind farms (WFs) have to satisfy the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) requirement to stay connected to the power grid under fault conditions. This study proposes a novel method that uses the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to improve the LVRT capability of WFs during grid faults. The proposed method is based on the Taguchi method which involves orthogonal experiments. The allocation (locations and sizes) and fuzzy control gains of STATCOM are determined by the analysis of mean (ANOM) technique as part of the Taguchi method to achieve a robust design that is insensitive to variations of operating conditions and faults. The optimal STATCOM that is obtained by the proposed method is validated in both a single WF-infinite bus power system and the IEEE 39-bus power system. The simulation results show that the proposed method can enhance the LVRT capability of WFs.

ESS equipped DFIG wind farm with coordinated power control under grid fault conditions

A new structure for doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind farms with coordinated power control under grid fault conditions are proposed in this paper. The proposed structure uses one grid side converter (GSC) and one energy storage system (ESS) for the entire wind farm unlike conventional structures, which have one GSC for each of the DFIGs. A converter loss decrease and a reliability enhancement are some of the advantages of the proposed wind farm, under normal operating conditions. The proposed wind farm follows the new grid codes to remain connected to the grid. In addition, it supports the network voltage and frequency stability by generating reactive and active power during and after faults. The ESS is coordinated with the wind farm to generate smooth active power under normal operation. This improves the low voltage ride-through capability of the wind farm under-voltage fault conditions and enhances the frequency response of the wind farm under frequency faults. MATLAB/Simulink software was used to simulate the proposed wind farm structure. An experimental setup was also provided to test the operation of the proposed power circuit topology.