Ride Through of Wind Turbines With Doubly Fed Induction Generator Under Symmetrical Voltage Dips

Abstract

This paper deals with the grid fault ride-through capability of doubly fed induction generators. These machines are very sensitive to grid disturbances. To prevent the damages that voltage dips can cause on the converter, most machines are equipped nowadays with a crowbar that short circuits the rotor. However, during the crowbar activation, the rotor converter must be disconnected, hence the power generated with the turbine is no longer controlled. In doing so, the crowbar impedes the wind turbine from carrying out the voltage stabilization required by most new grid codes. This paper proposes a novel control strategy that notably reduces the crowbar activation time. As a result, the control of the turbine might shortly be resumed and the turbine can furthermore supply a reactive power fulfilling the newest grid regulations. Experimental results of a complete system are included, demonstrating the viability of the proposed control.