Fault ride through certification of wind turbines based on a power hardware in the loop setup

Abstract

This paper presents a practical experience in implementing Fault Ride Through investigations on a multi-physics Power Hardware in the Loop platform for wind turbine nacelles. Next to the aim of doing full-scale system investigations with the nacelle, the use for system certification is included in the planning. While it is quite clear that such an approach would bring significant advantages compared to in-field testing, it is also important to understand if it is possible to overcome all the challenges from a practical and, in particular, measurement point of view that system level test bench certification implies. This question is analyzed with the support a unique platform developed by the authors in collaboration with other researchers of RWTH Aachen University. The platform is able to support test activities up to 1-MW.