Improving the Performance of PMSG Wind Turbines During Grid Fault Considering Different Strategies of Fault Current Limiters

Abstract

The wind energy conversion technology of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is very promising in renewable power generation. However, the performance of the grid-connected PMSGs is greatly affected by grid disturbances because their stator windings are interfaced with the grid directly. There are different Fault Current Limiter (FCL) topologies that are capable of improving the Fault Ride Through (FRT) capability of PMSG wind turbines during short circuit faults. This study investigates three types of FCLs connected to the grid side of the PMSG wind turbine: Series Dynamic Braking Resistor (SDBR), traditional Bridge Fault Current Limiter (BFCL), and Capacitive Bridge Fault Current Limiter (CBFCL). Complete modeling of FCLs was derived in order to understand their behaviors accurately during normal conditions and fault periods. The performance of the three FCLs in the PMSG wind turbine was analyzed and compared using a severe three-phase to ground fault at the terminal of the PMSG wind turbine in Power System Computer Design and Electromagnetic Transient Including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) platform. The same conditions of operation were used in investigating the various FCL strategies in the PMSG wind turbine considered in this study during grid fault for effective comparison.