Real-Time Co-Simulation and Grid Integration of PMSG-Based Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion Systems via Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Technics

Abstract

Ocean energy sources are a promising source of energy. However, simulating a hydrokinetic farm with multiple units requires significant computational resources, while physical experimentation on site is expensive. Therefore, the scientific challenge is to develop analytical and experimental tools that consider real aspects of areas with generation potential in a controlled laboratory environment. This paper presents a theoretical and experimental tool for analysing the interconnection of a hydrokinetic energy farm comprising 20 generation units. The test bench is a Power Hardware in the Loop type, consisting of one physical prototype generator to scale and 19 discrete averaged models operating in real-time. The system allows generators to interact through an amplifier, emulating the impact of power injection in a small electrical network. This is based on the variability of the marine resource, specifically the current velocities in the Cozumel-Mexico channel. Unlike other publications, the most significant contribution of this work is a complete feasible emulation of a marine current plant interconnected to an electrical grid, where the objective is to have a global analysis of the operation of each generation unit and the impact of the interconnection as a whole, considering that such information is of utmost importance for the execution of future projects of power generation from the sea.