MATLAB Simulation of FRT Techniques for DFIG-based Wind Farms

Abstract

In the wind power industry, variable speed generators are more prevalent than fixed speed generators as they can collect a higher amount of energy from wind. As of now, Doubly Fed Induction variable speed Generator (DFIG) technology is the most widely accepted technology in the wind energy sector. The significant problem in DFIG-fed wind energy system (WES) is its incompetency when grid voltage falls due to external short circuit failures. Crowbar protection is perhaps the most common method for DFIG to ride through short-duration faults, however alternative solutions have been discussed in the literature. The primary objective of this paper is to compare the performance of the crowbar and the series dynamic braking resistor installed on the DFIG's rotor side at fault operations. The findings for this analysis were obtained using MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation findings indicate that both techniques protect the DFIG efficiently, although the later design is superior and improves the DFIG's performance during faults or voltage drops.