A new method for uninterrupted operation of wind turbines equipped with DFIGs during grid faults using FCL

Abstract

The main issue of wind turbines that equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) is the grid faults or low voltage ride through capability. In this paper, a new solution for uninterrupted operation of wind turbine driving a DFIG has been proposed during fault condition in the grid. A fault current limiter (FCL) is placed in series with the rotor circuit. During fault condition FCL enters a huge solenoid in the rotor circuit to inhabit increasing of current in the rotor circuit. When the fault is cleared the FCL bypasses the solenoid. A static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) has been applied for supplying required reactive power in faults and steady states. Capability and modeling accuracy of the proposed method confirmed with simulating a sample power system in PSCAD/EMTDC software.