Transient Faults in Wind Energy Conversion Systems: Analysis, Modelling Methodologies and Remedies

Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth review of classical and state-of-the-art models for analysing the transient stability in wind energy conversion systems. Various transient simulation models for a number of wind turbine generator (WTG) configurations are introduced, under different disturbances. The mitigation is achieved, by manipulating the generator speed and power electronics control, whereas the protection is implemented using conventional, intelligent or digital relays for the safety of sensitive components, in case of transient fault occurrence. The various control systems in WECS are basically employed to transform and regulate the varying frequency, owing to the stochastic nature of wind speed, to the standard 50-Hz or 60-Hz frequency for coupling to an existing electrical utility grid. It has been observed that the control and protection schemes in wind energy systems are concurrently applied. Transient faults in WECSs are a dominant power quality problem especially in the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), and often classified as overcurrent or overvoltage transients. These transients are measured using the transient stability index and analysed using the EMTDC/PSCAD software. In addition, the inertia of the rotating masses of wind turbine generators is often characterized by a transient torque, which generates oscillations in power systems.