Low-Voltage Ride through Capability Augmentation of DFIG-Based Wind Farms Using Series-Parallel Resonance-Type Fault Current Limiter

Abstract

The introduction of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) has facilitated the utilization of wind energy to a great extent and constituted distributed generation (DG) systems in remote places. Therefore, long transmission lines are required to interconnect with the utility grid and, consequently, different short-circuit faults interrupt this transmission. Use of different fault current limiters (FCLs) minimizes the effect of faults and allows normal operation with minimum interruption in power flow. In this study, a series-parallel resonance-type fault current limiter (SPRFCL) is presented for enhancing the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of DFIG-based wind farms. The SPRFCL preserves the nominal voltage and power quality within the permissible limit during normal operation and during disturbances irrespective of the type of fault. The effectiveness of the proposed SPRFCL is validated by simulating both symmetrical and asymmetrical faults. Alongside the SPRFCL, two state-of-the-art FCLs—the parallel resonance-type fault current limiter (PRFCL) and the capacitive bridge-type fault current limiter (CBFCL)—are considered to investigate and compare the relative performances. Several graphical and numerical studies assure the efficacy of the proposed SPRFCL in wind farm application in multiple aspect. Moreover, the stunning total harmonic distortion (THD) values with the proposed technique signifies the excellency over its competitors. Additionally, the sub-synchronous resonance (SSR) analysis confirms the supremacy of SPRFCL for series compensated lines.