Recent research led by Siying Chen from the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Technology at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, has unveiled a new strategy for integrating wind farms into high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. This study, published in the journal “IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution,” addresses a critical challenge in the renewable energy sector: the issue of DC overvoltage during short circuit faults.
As renewable energy sources like wind power become more prevalent, their connection to the grid through advanced technologies like modular multi-level converters (MMC) is essential. However, traditional methods have struggled with uncontrollable DC overvoltages that can occur during faults at the receiving end of the system. Chen’s research identifies a new phenomenon of DC overvoltage that arises after these faults are cleared. The interaction between the wind farms and the MMCs complicates the situation, leading to what Chen describes as “the alternate saturation of the integrators in the PI controller of MMCs,” which is the primary cause of the overvoltage.
To combat this issue, Chen and her team propose additional control measures designed to suppress DC overvoltage during the fault recovery stage. Their simulations, conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, demonstrate the effectiveness of these proposed methods, marking a significant step forward in the reliability and stability of HVDC systems connected to wind farms.
The implications of this research extend beyond technical improvements; they present commercial opportunities for the energy sector. By enhancing the stability of wind farm connections to the grid, this integration strategy could lead to more reliable energy supply from renewable sources, which is crucial for meeting growing energy demands and achieving sustainability goals. Energy companies could benefit from reduced operational risks and enhanced grid resilience, making investments in wind energy more attractive.
As the world continues to transition towards cleaner energy solutions, research like Chen’s is vital. It not only addresses immediate technical challenges but also paves the way for more robust and efficient energy systems. For further details on this research, you can explore the work of Chen and her colleagues at the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Technology.
