Enhancing low voltage ride through capability of grid connected DFIG based WECS using WCA-PSO tuned STATCOM...

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Power Systems Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems

Background:

• Doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG) are crucial for wind power integration.
• Grid codes mandate Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) capability for wind power plants (WPPs).
• Grid faults can compromise WPP stability and LVRT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of a STATCOM in enhancing the LVRT capability of a 9 MW DFIG-based WPP.
• To tune the STATCOM using Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and a hybrid WCA-PSO algorithm.
• To analyze and compare system performance during grid voltage sags with different STATCOM tuning methods.

Main Methods:

• Simulations conducted in MATLAB using the SimScape toolbox.
• Performance evaluation based on LVRT capability during grid faults (L-G and LLL-G).
• Comparison of STATCOM performance tuned with WCA, PSO, and hybrid WCA-PSO algorithms.

Main Results:

• The Danish power system met LVRT for L-G faults.
• Without STATCOM, WPP failed to ride through LLL-G faults.
• STATCOM incorporation enabled LVRT compliance.
• Voltage fluctuations reduced from 17% to 3% (L-G faults) and 60% to 25% (LLL-G faults) with WCA-PSO tuned STATCOM.
• WCA-PSO tuned STATCOM minimized voltage, active, and reactive power overshoots.

Conclusions:

• STATCOM significantly enhances LVRT capability of DFIG-based WPPs.
• The hybrid WCA-PSO algorithm provides optimal STATCOM tuning for improved fault ride-through.
• Implementing STATCOM with advanced tuning strategies is essential for reliable wind power integration.