The power grid faults study is crucial for maintaining grid reliability and stability. Understanding these faults enables rapid detection, prevention, and mitigation, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, safeguarding equipment, and preventing potential cascading failures, ultimately supporting the efficient functioning of modern society. This paper delves into the intricate challenge of ensuring the robust operation of wind turbines (WTs) in the face of fault conditions, a matter of substantial concern for power system experts. To navigate this challenge effectively, the implementation of symmetrical fault ride-through (SFRT) and asymmetrical fault ride-through (AFRT) control techniques becomes imperative, as these techniques play a pivotal role in upholding the stability and dependability of the power system during adverse scenarios. This study addresses this formidable challenge by introducing an innovative SFRT–AFRT control methodology based on rotor components optimization called RCO tailored for the rotor side converter (RSC) within a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) utilized in wind turbine systems. The proposed control strategy encompasses a two-fold approach: firstly, the attenuation of both positive and negative components is achieved through the strategic application of boundary constraints and the establishment of reference values. Subsequently, the optimization of the control characteristic ‘$$\beta$$
β
’ is accomplished through the utilization of a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm integrated within an optimization loop. This intricate interplay of mechanisms aims to optimize the performance of the RSC under fault conditions. To measure the efficacy of the proposed control technique, a comparative analysis is conducted. Fractional-order (FO) proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers are employed as an additional method to complement the novel approach. By systematically juxtaposing the performance of the proposed SFRT–AFRT control technique with the FO-PID controllers, a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed approach's effectiveness is attained. This comparative assessment lends valuable insights into the potential advantages and limitations of the novel control technique, thereby contributing to the advancement of fault mitigation strategies in WT systems. Finally, the paper highlights the economic viability of the proposed control method, suggesting its suitability for addressing broader power network issues, such as power quality, in future wind farm research.