Design and Implementation of an Online Efficiency-Optimized Multi-Functional Compensator for Wind Turbine Generators

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Power Electronics

Background:

• Growing integration of wind power presents challenges due to unpredictable generator output.
• Dynamic power flow from wind turbine generators (WTGs) can negatively impact existing power grids.
• Need for advanced solutions to manage and compensate for wind power fluctuations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a multifunctional WTG intelligent compensator (WTGIC) for advanced power management.
• To enhance the stability and efficiency of power systems with significant WTG penetration.
• To address the unpredictable nature of wind power generation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a WTGIC comprising a power semiconductor device (PSD)-based bidirectional inverter and an energy storage unit (ESU).
• Implementation of a modularized all-digital control scheme integrating various control functions and algorithms.
• Design and implementation of an online efficiency optimization algorithm and associated controllers.

Main Results:

• The WTGIC demonstrates high-efficiency charging/discharging of the ESU.
• Real-time power quality (PQ) compensation and efficient power smoothing of WTGs are achieved.
• Simulations in PSIM and a hardware experimental system validated the WTGIC's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The proposed WTGIC effectively manages dynamic power flow from wind turbines.
• The system enhances power quality and grid stability in renewable energy-integrated power systems.
• The modular design and digital control scheme offer flexibility and improved performance.