Optimum Resistive Type Fault Current Limiter: An Efficient Solution to Achieve Maximum Fault Ride-Through Capability of Fixed-Speed Wind Turbines During Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Grid Faults

Abstract

Abstract--This paper proposes an optimum resistive type fault current limiter (OR-FCL) as an efficient solution to achieve maximum fault ride-through (FRT) capability of fixed speed wind turbines (FSWTs) during various grid faults. In this paper, a dedicated control circuit is designed for the OR-FCL that enables it to insert an optimum value of resistance in the FSWT's fault current's path for improving transient behavior of the FSWT. The optimum resistance value depends on fault location and pre-fault active power. The control circuit of the proposed OR-FCL is capable of calculating the optimum resistance value for all the prefault conditions. By using the proposed control circuit, the FSWT can achieve its maximum FRT capability during symmetrical and asymmetrical faults, even at zero grid voltage. Analysis is provided in detail to highlight the process of calculating the optimum resistance of the OR-FCL. Moreover, the effect of the resistance value of the OR-FCL on the FRT behavior of FSWT is investigated. To show the efficiency of the proposed OR-FCL, its performance during various operation conditions of the FSWT is studied. It can be proved that each operation condition needs its own optimum resistance value, which can be obtained by using the proposed control circuit during the fault, to achieve the maximum FRT capability of the FSWT. Comprehensive sets of simulations are carried out in PSCAD/EMTDC software and the results prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.Index Terms-Fault ride-through; optimum resistance; fault current limiter; fixed speed wind turbine; symmetrical and asymmetrical faults.

Recognition Algorithm of Transient Overvoltage Characteristic Based on Symmetrical Components Estimation

“…The DVR requests fast response speed, hence fast and precise recognition on the transient overvoltage is the premise to apply the DVR rapidly into the compensation, which is a key technique that must be solved during the DVR research. At present, the most applied recognition algorithm is based on the normal and modified dp transformation [10]. However, both of them require a low pass filter to remove the transformed high-frequency component to solve effective value of the transient overvoltage and phase jump.…”

Smart Loads for Improving the Fault-Ride-Through Capability of Fixed-Speed Wind Generators in Microgrids

“…Centralized electrical devices in the family of flexible ac transmission systems (FACTs) are favorable alternatives due to their high response speed and broad control diversity. Methods, such as energy storage system [8], unified power quality controller (UPQC) [9], series static var compensator (SSVC) [10], and static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) [11] have been well documented to improve the FRT capability of power grids and beyond. Out of these approaches, centralized STATCOM has been proved to be a better choice in supporting the WTGS during both symmetric and asymmetric system faults [11]- [14].…”

An Adaptive Overcurrent Coordination Scheme to Improve Relay Sensitivity and Overcome Drawbacks due to Distributed Generation in Smart Grids

“…Several solutions have been proposed to mitigate the impact of DG penetration on sub-transmission and distribution networks, like:  disconnection of DGs immediately after fault detection [23],  limitation of installed DGs capacity [24][25][26],  modification of the protection system by installing more breakers for sectionalization, reconfiguration of networks or the use of distance relays and/or directional overcurrent relays [27][28][29][30],  installation of fault current limiters (FCLs) to preserve/restore the original relay settings [18,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42],  fault ride through control strategy of inverter based DGs [43],  fault current control by solid-state-switch-based field discharge circuit for synchronous DGs [44],  adaptive protection schemes (APS) [20,[45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54].…”