Variable Speed Wind Generator Research Articles

Design and Implementation of Crowbar and STATCOM for Enhanced Stability of Grid-Tied Doubly Fed Induction Wind Generators

These days, one of the most used layouts in the wind power industry is a variable-speed doubly-fed induction wind generator (DFIWG). For providing active power (P) and reactive power (Q) control during grid failures, this research examines the DFIWG. The system's transient behavior is examined under normal and abnormal circumstances. Through control of rotor side (RSC) and grid side (GSC) converters, Q assistance for the grid, and power converter stress reduction, the suggested control approach achieves system stability while enabling DFIWG to operate smoothly during grid failures. The DFIWG is exposed to three- and two-phase faults to analyze the machine's performance. The crowbar and STATCOM tools are implemented to enhance the system performance under faults and compared with the base case. The implemented tools successfully suppress rotor and stator overcurrent, over voltage at the DC link (DCL), and power oscillations, as well as supporting the grid voltage understudied cases. The obtained results prove that both STATCOM and crowbar not only enhance the system's effectiveness and performance but also enable the system to achieve the fault ride-through capacity (FRTC). MATLAB/SIMULINK 2017b is used for time-domain computer simulations.

Security constrained economic dispatch with VSC-HVDC connected wind farms

The rise in wind power in electrical networks creates complex challenges for transmission system operators (TSOs), particularly regarding real-time operation. TSOs rely on grid codes to enforce wind farm (WF) participation in primary frequency control (PFC), like conventional plants. This paper addresses this need by proposing a security constrained economic dispatch (SCED) model with VSC-HVDC connected WFs based on variable speed wind generators. A key differentiator from existing models is the explicit calculation of the spinning reserve and the droop parameter of the WFs. This method uses the deloading schemes related to blade pitch angle and mechanical rotor speed to ensure compliance with grid codes related to PFC. We show that the wind speed and these deloading schemes significantly impact the WF droop parameter. For efficient studies, linear shift factors are used to model the transmission grid and the VSC-HVDC connected WFs. The performance of the SCED model was assessed using two standard test systems that incorporate WFs connected by VSC-HVDC lines. Its effectiveness was confirmed by comparing it with the security constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF). The results showed agreement between both models, with differences less than 3 % and with the SCED saving about 70 % of the computing time.

Nonlinear Controller-Based Mitigation of Adverse Effects of Cyber-Attacks on the DC Microgrid System

Cyber-attacks have adverse impacts on DC microgrid systems. Existing literature shows plenty of attack detection methods but lacks appropriate mitigation and prevention approaches for cyber-attacks in DC microgrids. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a novel solution based on a nonlinear controller to mitigate the adverse effects of various cyber-attacks, such as distributed denial of service attacks and false data injection attacks, on various components of a DC microgrid system consisting of a photovoltaic power source, a permanent magnet synchronous generator-based variable speed wind generator, a fuel cell, battery energy storage, and loads. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution, single and repetitive cyber-attacks on specific components of the microgrid have been considered. An index-based quantitative improvement analysis for the proposed control method has been made. Extensive simulations have been performed by the MATLAB/Simulink V9 software. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear controller-based method in mitigating the adverse effects of cyber-attacks. Moreover, the performance of the proposed method is better than that of the proportional-integral controller. Due to the simplicity of the proposed solution, it can easily be implemented in real practice.

Integration of wind and solar energies with battery energy storage systems into 36-zone Great Britain power system for frequency regulation studies

Variable-speed wind generators (VSWGs) and solar Photovoltaic (PV) units are being broadly employed as the main renewable energy sources in large-scale transmission power networks. However, they can cause system stability challenges following power imbalances since they provide no inertial and governor responses. In this study, generic dynamic models are developed for VSWGs, PVs and battery energy storages systems (BESSs) which include inertia emulator and droop-based frequency control schemes. These models are suitable for transmission systems stability studies and are integrated into 36-zone Great Britain (GB) power system in DIgSILENT PowerFactory. It is a very useful benchmark for academic research and industrial sectors to undertake feasibility studies for renewable energy integration into GB power system. However, it is not an exact equivalent of the real GB power system. The dynamic time-domain simulations and modal analysis are provided and justified to investigate how PV, Wind and BESS units affect the system frequency response. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out against several factors to demonstrate the dynamic performance of the test system incorporating the generic models for VSWGs, PVs and BESSs. These are associated with units’ frequency response and system frequency changes under renewable energies’ penetration levels of 20 %, 25 %, 50 %, 60 % and 75 % of system demand.

Dynamic and Steady State Modelling of the Doubly Fed Twin Stator Induction Generator With Core Loss.

This paper presents dynamic and steady state models of the brushless doubly fed twin stator induction machine (BDFTSIM) with emphasis on its use as a generator. The dynamic models are presented in the general reference frame. The models include the effects of core loss on both the stator and the rotor. The frequency on the rotor of the BDFTSIM is much higher than in a standard induction machine so that core losses can not be neglected. The performance analysis indicates the feasibility of the BDFTSIM as a variable speed wind generator

A single current sensor based adaptive step size MPPT control of a small scale variable speed wind energy conversion system

Due to the limited size and lower environmental impact, a small-scale wind energy conversion system (WECS) is a promising alternative for remote locations and residential areas where installing large wind turbines is not feasible. This system employs a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) as a variable speed wind generator due to its advantages such as high torque density, gearless, and require no external excitation, etc. This article proposes a single load current sensor-based adaptive step size (LCAS) maximum power point extraction (MPPT) method which utilizes the load current information to track the maximum power. This method does not require rotor speed information and knowledge of the turbine parameters. Also, this article uses a simple and cost-effective switch mode rectifier topology (AC–DC and DC–DC boost converters) for the PMSG-based variable speed WECS. The proposed method is validated in a 1.5 kW test rig using an OPAL-RT digital signal controller and also compared with various fixed step size (FSS) MPPT algorithms at various operating conditions. Extensive experimental work has been carried out for the LCAS MPPT method that confirms the tracking efficiency is better and tracking speed is faster along with the improved steady state as well as transient performance.

Experimental Platform for Evaluation of Full-Scale Variable-Speed Wind Generators Under Stator Winding Faults

An experimental platform for internal fault application on the stator winding of synchronous and induction machines used as full-scale variable-speed wind generators is described. Machines with modified stator winding are employed to enable fault application during operation. This experimental rig allows on-line monitoring and recording of voltage and current waveforms, as well as control variables, therefore it can contribute significantly for control and protection developments specifically designed to attend variable-speed generator particularities. It could also be used for teaching renewable energy technology concepts. Equipment connections, sensing and conditioning stages, control algorithms and the fault application system are described in order to guide future projects. The control algorithms are tested under healthy and faulty conditions. Furthermore, the basic modeling of the machines under healthy and faulty conditions are presented as reference to the experimental results presented.

Simple and Robust MPPT Current Control of a Wound Rotor Synchronous Wind Generator

In the search for efficient non-permanent magnet variable-speed wind generator solutions, this paper proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) current-control method for a wound rotor synchronous wind generator. The focus is on direct-drive, medium-speed wind generators. In the proposed method, the currents of the wound rotor synchronous generator (WRSG) are optimally adjusted according to the generator speed to ensure maximum power generation from the wind turbine without needing information on wind speed. The design, modeling, and simulation of the MPPT current controllers are done in Matlab/Simulink with the WRSG in the synchronous reference frame. The controller is put to the test using different wind speed profiles between cut-in and rated speeds. The simulation results indicate that the proposed current control method is simple, effective, and robust, suggesting its practical implementation. To validate the simulation results, experimental work on a 4.2 kW WRSG prototype system is presented to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the MPPT current control method in operating the turbine at or near the maximum power point.

Dynamic Performance Assessment of PMSG and DFIG-Based WECS with the Support of Manta Ray Foraging Optimizer Considering MPPT, Pitch Control, and FRT Capability Issues

Wind generators have attracted a lot of attention in the realm of renewable energy systems, but they are vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions and grid faults. The influence of the manta ray foraging optimizer (MRFO) on the dynamic performance of the two commonly used variable speed wind generators (VSWGs), called the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) and doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), is investigated in this research article. The PMSG and DFIG were exposed to identical wind speed changes depending on their wind turbine characteristics, as well as a dangerous three-phase fault, to evaluate the durability of MRFO-based wind side controllers. To protect VSWGs from hazardous gusts and obtain the optimum power from incoming wind speeds, we utilized a pitch angle controller and optimal torque controller, respectively, in our study. During faults, the commonly utilized industrial approach (crowbar system) was exclusively employed to aid the studied VSWGs in achieving fault ride-through (FRT) capability and control of the DC link voltage. Furthermore, an MRFO-based PI controller was used to develop a crowbar system. The modeling of PMSG, DFIG, and MRFO was performed using the MATLAB/Simulink toolbox. We compared performances of PMSG and DFIG in reference tracking and resilience against changes in system parameters under regular and irregular circumstances. The effectiveness and reliability of the optimized controllers in mitigating the adverse impacts of faults and wind gusts were demonstrated by the simulation results. Without considering the exterior circuit of VSWGs or modifying the original architecture, MRFO-PI controllers in the presence of a crowbar system may help cost-effectively alleviate FRT concerns for both studied VSWGs.

Hybrid Fuzzy-PI and ANFIS Controller Design for Rotor Current Control of DFIG Based Wind Turbine

Wind energy generation provides one of the best and economical solution to the growing power demand. Doubly Fed induction generator is one of the most important variable speed wind generators. Integrating advanced controllers improves its performance and efficiency. The purpose of this research work is to optimize the wind energy conversion and efficient wind power extraction by controlling rotor current. Four controllers that are PI, Fuzzy, Hybrid Fuzzy-PI and Neural network based Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy controller are designed and implemented on DFIG. Controllers’ performance is assessed in terms of transients in rotor current i.e., percentage overshoot, settling time and steady state error under varying wind speed operation. Comparison of the results demonstrates that Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy controller outperforms as compared to that of Hybrid Fuzzy-PI, Fuzzy and conventional PI regarding transient response and maximum power extraction efficiency.

RT-lab based real-time simulation of flywheel energy storage system associated to a variable-speed wind generator

This paper presents a new simulator used to distribute and execute real-time simulations: the RT-LAB, developed by opal-RT technologies (Montreal, Canada). One of its essential characteristics is the perfect integration with MATLAB/Simulink. The RT-LAB allows the conversion of Simulink models in real time via real-time workshop (RTW) and their execution on one or more processors. In this context, the paper focuses on the RT-LAB real-time simulation as a complement to the MATLAB/Simulink environment, which has been used to perform the simulation of the Flywheel energy storage system (FESS -variable speed wind generation (VSWG) assembly. The purpose of employing a fairly new real-time platform (RT-LAB OP -5600) is to reduce the test and prototype time. This application will be executed on each element of our model that was previously developed under MATLAB/Simulink. The real-time simulation results are observed in the workstation.

Noncontrolled fault current limiter with reactive power support for transient stability improvement of DFIG ‐based variable speed wind generator during grid faults

Noncontrolled fault current limiter with reactive power support for transient stability improvement of <scp>DFIG</scp> ‐based variable speed wind generator during grid faults

Design of Model Reference Controller of Variable Speed Wind Generators for Frequency Regulation Contribution

This paper presents a novel control algorithm for variable speed wind generators (VSWG), designed to provide support to grid frequency regulation. The proposed control algorithm ensures that VSWG ‘’truly’’ emulates response of a conventional generating unit with non-reheat steam turbine (GUNRST) in the first several seconds after active power unbalance. A systematic method of analysis and synthesis of the new control algorithm is described in detail.

Enhancement of Power System Transient Stability by Active and Reactive Power Control of Variable Speed Wind Generators

This paper proposes a novel control method for enhancing transient stability by using renewable energy sources (RES). The kinetic energy accumulated in a rotor of variable speed wind generator (VSWG) is proactively used as the active power source, which is controlled according to the frequency measured at the wind farm. In addition, coordinated reactive power control according to the grid voltage is also carried out to more effectively use the kinetic energy of the VSWG. The effects of the proposed control system were evaluated by simulation analyses performed using a modified IEEE nine-bus power system network made up of synchronous generators (SGs), a photovoltaic (PV) system and a VSWG-based wind farm. Furthermore, the coordinated reactive power control between the VSWG and PV system was also demonstrated.

Intelligent control of flywheel energy storage system associated with the wind generator for uninterrupted power supply

Wind energy is currently the fastest-growing energy source in the world. However, the inherent characteristic of intermittent energy production, due to the stochastic nature of wind, still comprises the main drawback of wind power. To avoid such problems, various configurations have been reccomended in order to reduce output power variation. The paper concentrates on performance benefits of adding energy storage system with the wind generator in order to regulate the electric power delivered into the power grid. Compared with other means of energy storage, the flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is the best choice to solve power quality problems. In this paper, a FESS associated to a variable speed wind generation (VSWG) is investigated by presenting two control strategies applied to the storage system equipped with an induction machine; both techniques are studied and developed and consist of a field control (FOC) and a Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC). Simulation model is established in MATLAB/Simulink and comparative results are then reported.

Wind Inertial Response Based on the Center of Inertia Frequency of a Control Area

As a result of the increased integration of power converter-connected variable speed wind generators (VSWG), which do not provide rotational inertia, concerns about the frequency stability of interconnected power systems permanently arise. If the inertia of a power system is insufficient, wind power plants’ participation in the inertial response should be required. A trendy solution for the frequency stability improvement in low inertia systems is based on utilizing so-called “synthetic” or “virtual” inertia from modern VSWG. This paper presents a control scheme for the virtual inertia response of wind power plants based on the center of inertia (COI) frequency of a control area. The PSS/E user written wind inertial controller based on COI frequency is developed using FORTRAN. The efficiency of the controller is tested and applied to the real interconnected power system of Southeast Europe. The performed simulations show certain conceptual advantages of the proposed controller in comparison to traditional schemes that use the local frequency to trigger the wind inertial response. The frequency response metrics, COI frequency calculation and graphical plots are obtained using Python.

Model Reference Adaptive System with Finite-Set for Encoderless Control of PMSGs in Micro-Grid Systems

In micro-grid systems, wind turbines are essential power generation sources. The direct-driven surface-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous generators (SMPMSGs) in variable-speed wind generation systems (VS-WGSs) are promising due to their high efficiency/power density and the avoidance of using a gearbox, i.e., regular maintenance and noise are averted. Usually, the main goal of the control system for SMPMSGs is to extract the maximum available power from the wind turbine. To do so, the rotor position/speed of the SMPMSG must be known. Those signals are obtained by the help of an incremental encoder or speed transducer. However, the system reliability is remarkably reduced due to the high failure rate of these mechanical sensors. To avoid this problem, this paper presents a model reference adaptive system with finite-set (MRAS-FS) observer for encoderless control of SMPMSGs in VS-WGSs. The motif of the presented MRAS-FS observer is taken from the direct-model predictive control (DMPC) principle, where a certain number of rotor position angles are utilized to estimate the stator flux of the SMPMSG. Subsequently, a new optimization criterion (also called quality or cost function) is formulated to select the best rotor position angle based on minimizing the error between the estimated and reference value of the stator flux. Accordingly, the traditional fixed-gain proportional-integral regulator generally employed in the classical MRAS observers is not needed. The proposed MRAS-FS observer is validated experimentally, and its estimation response has been compared with the conventional MRAS observer under different conditions. In addition to that, the robustness of the MRAS-FS observer is tested at mismatches in the parameters of the SMPMSG.

Power-Angle Modulation Controller to Support Transient Stability of Power Systems Dominated by Power Electronic Interfaced Wind Generation

During the last few years, electric power systems have undergone a widespread shift from conventional fossil-based generation toward renewable energy-based generation. Variable speed wind generators utilizing full-scale power electronics converters are becoming the preferred technology among other types of renewable-based generation, due to the high flexibility to implement different control functions that can support the stabilization of electrical power systems. This paper presents a fundamental study on the enhancement of transient stability in electrical power systems with increasing high share (i.e., above 50%) of power electronic interfaced generation. The wind generator type IV is taken as a representative form of power electronic interfaced generation, and the goal is to investigate how to mitigate the magnitude of the first swing while enhancing the damping of rotor angle oscillations triggered by major electrical disturbances. To perform such mitigation, this paper proposes a power-angle modulation (PAM) controller to adjust the post-fault active power response of the wind generator type IV, after a large disturbance occurs in the system. Based on a small size system, the PAM concept is introduced. The study is performed upon time-domain simulations and analytical formulations of the power transfer equations. Additionally, the IEEE 9 BUS system and the test model of Great Britain’s system are used to further investigate the performance of the PAM controller in a multi-machine context, as well as to perform a comparative assessment of the effect of different fault locations, and the necessary wind generators that should be equipped with PAM controllers.

High Performance Frequency Converter Controlled Variable-Speed Wind Generator Using Linear-Quadratic Regulator Controller

This article proposes an optimal control strategy with a view to achieving the best performance of a wind energy conversion system (WECS). The optimal control strategy depends on the linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) algorithm, which provides fast convergence and less mathematical intricacy. The machine- and the grid-side converter/inverter are adjusted using the LQR controller. In this article, the system model and its control strategies are illustrated. Practical wind speed data are considered in this article for achieving realistic responses. The system performance is evaluated by comparing the results obtained using the LQR controller with that realized when the grey wolf optimizer algorithm-based optimized proportional-integral controllers are used, taken into account severe network disturbances. The simulation studies are extensively performed through the MATLAB/Simulink environment that prove the validity of the LQR controller for improving the performance of the WECS. The simulation results are compared with the experimental results for more validation.

Salp swarm algorithm-based TS-FLCs for MPPT and fault ride-through capability enhancement of wind generators

This article presents an optimum design of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy logic controllers (TS-FLCs) to enhance capability of fault ride-through (FRT) and the maximal power point tracking (MPPT) of the grid-tied wind farms. To obtain the optimum TS-FLCs, salp-swarm-algorithm (SSA) applied to minimize the sum of integral squared-error (ISE) function, where the variables of the cost function are the factors of Gaussian membership functions and the control rules of eight TS-FLCs. After that, the optimized TS-FLCs are applied to control the grid-tied variable-speed wind generator system, which is simulated using PSCAD/EMTDC. Thus, the transient and dynamic responses revealed that the optimum TS-FLCs have better stability margins than the optimum proportional–integral (PI) controllers. Furthermore, a realistic variable wind speed measured data are implemented to test the robustness of the MPPT based on the optimal TS-FLCs to extract more power than the MPPT based on optimal PI controllers.