In a significant advancement for wind power systems, researchers have proposed a novel control scheme aimed at tackling the persistent challenge of continuous fault ride-through (CFRT). This issue, characterized by fluctuating voltage levels that can disrupt the operation of wind turbines, has long posed a barrier to the reliable integration of renewable energy into the grid. The innovative approach, led by Xunjun Chen from the College of Electrical Engineering at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, leverages energy storage-based dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs) to enhance system stability without the prohibitive costs typically associated with energy storage solutions.
“The ability to maintain power balance during continuous faults is crucial for the stability of wind power systems,” Chen explained. “Our proposed control strategy not only allows wind turbines to ride through these faults seamlessly but also reduces the energy storage compensation requirements significantly.”
The research highlights a dual-pronged strategy that involves adaptive mode switching and coordinated control. By utilizing two distinct DVR compensation methods, the system can effectively manage the injected voltage amplitude. This adaptive mode switching is triggered by the DC link voltage and employs a PQR transformation to optimize the phase-locked loop (PLL). Furthermore, the introduction of an adaptive coordination coefficient takes into account the energy storage regulation power and rotor inertia, ensuring that power balance is maintained even during challenging fault conditions.
This breakthrough has profound implications for the energy sector, particularly as the world pivots toward a more sustainable energy future. By minimizing the reliance on extensive energy storage, this method not only reduces costs but also enhances the feasibility of integrating wind energy into existing power grids. As wind power continues to grow as a key component of the renewable energy landscape, solutions like this could accelerate the transition by making wind energy more reliable and economically viable.
Simulations conducted using Simulink and hardware-in-loop (HIL) experiments validate the effectiveness of this approach, setting the stage for further developments in wind turbine technology. The research, published in the journal “IET Renewable Power Generation,” underscores the potential for innovative control strategies to transform the dynamics of renewable energy systems.
As the energy sector grapples with the challenges of integrating more renewables into the grid, Chen’s findings could serve as a catalyst for future innovations. With the demand for clean energy rising, the implications of this research stretch far beyond academic interest, promising to reshape how we harness and manage wind energy in the years to come. For more information about Xunjun Chen’s work, you can visit College of Electrical Engineering Zhejiang University.