Multilevel converter integration for low voltage ride through controlling renewable wind energy conversion systems

Abstract

In this study, a new control of grid-connected doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) is introduced to attain lowvoltage ride-through capability. The grid-side converter is proposed to be a multilevel converter (MLC) controlled by conventional DC-link voltage controller. The MLC is designed and integrated into the grid-connected DFIG. The rotor-side converter is considered a two-level conventional converter controlled by the proposed virtual voltage strategy. The virtual strategy is to use the designed input control signal rather than the actual measured one during system disturbance. The system disturbance in this study is the voltage dip. The proposed virtual controller is designed to use busbar voltage during normal operation, whereas it utilizes the designed virtual voltage during wide range conditions of low grid voltages. The energy conversion system currents are increased due to voltage dip disturbances. The use of designed virtual voltage values is proposed as inputs to the controller to limit these currents at the rating values. These virtual voltages are extracted using direct-quadrature machine representation and fixed machine currents at the rated values or lower. On the basis of the proposed control concerning the virtual voltage concept, the generator currents are limited to the rated values, thereby protecting the energy conversion system during low grid voltages. Simulation results prove the validity of the proposed control scheme during extreme low voltages.