Effect of Doubly Fed Induction GeneratorTidal Current Turbines on Stability of a Distribution Grid under Unbalanced Voltage Conditions

Abstract

This paper analyses the effects of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) tidal current turbines on a distribution grid under unbalanced voltage conditions of the grid. A dynamic model of an electrical power system under the unbalanced network is described in the paper, aiming to compare the system performance when connected with and without DFIG at the same location in a distribution grid. Extensive simulations of investigating the effect of DFIG tidal current turbine on stability of the distribution grid are performed, taking into account factors such as the power rating, the connection distance of the turbine and the grid voltage dip. The dynamic responses of the distribution system are examined, especially its ability to ride through fault events under unbalanced grid voltage conditions. The research has shown that DFIG tidal current turbines can provide a good damping performance and that modern DFIG tidal current power plants, equipped with power electronics and low-voltage ride-through capability, can stay connected to weak electrical grids even under the unbalanced voltage conditions, whilst not reducing system stability.