Stability Domain Analysis and Enhancement of Squirrel Cage Induction Generator Wind Turbines in Weak Grids

Abstract

There are significant concerns regarding the stability of increased wind power generation in weak power grids. This paper investigates and improves the stability of Wind Turbine Squirrel Cage Induction Generators (WT-SCIGs) with series compensation and weak interconnections to the power grid. Detailed time-domain and state-space modeling have revealed new bifurcations and oscillatory modes for a WT-SCIG connected radially to a weak grid through a series compensated line. The stability domain analyses are carried out by computing bifurcations in the system by analyzing eigenvalues of the linearized system. The analyses demonstrate for the first time how the degree of compensation at which the Hopf bifurcation occurs depends on the X/R ratio of the line, operating slip of the induction generator, and voltage regulator parameters as well as the time delays in measurements. A new damping controller is proposed, which greatly improves the dynamic stability of the WT-SCIG and eliminates destructive Hopf bifurcations in weak grids for a wide range of series compensation. This allows for a much larger percentage of series compensation than what is usually possible, while avoiding instabilities, thereby maximizing the power transfer capability.