In the vast, windswept landscapes where turbines spin and harness nature’s power, a significant challenge has long loomed: the high voltage ride-through (HVRT) problem. When a direct current (DC) fault occurs, wind farms often face a large voltage surge at the grid-connected point, threatening stability and efficiency. But a new strategy, developed by researchers at Xinjiang University, is poised to revolutionize how wind farms handle these faults, offering a promising solution to an industry-wide challenge.
Dr. Mo Jisheng, a leading expert in electrical engineering at Xinjiang University, has spearheaded a study that proposes an innovative recovery mechanism. This mechanism, dubbed “active priority balancing – reactive power dynamic compensation,” coordinates the protection action time to address the HVRT problem head-on. “By balancing active power and reactive power dynamic compensation, we achieve dual objectives: voltage stabilization and energy balance during faults,” Dr. Mo explains. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of wind power integration, a critical factor as the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources.
The strategy leverages the double closed-loop control function of doubly-fed wind turbines, revealing that the reactive power response speed of the rotor side converter is superior to that of the grid side converter. Under load shedding mode, the proposed HVRT strategy ensures that wind farms can effectively suppress the risk of transient overvoltage, thereby improving their HVRT capability. Simulation results have shown promising outcomes, demonstrating the strategy’s potential to stabilize voltage and maintain energy balance during faults.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As wind power continues to grow as a major component of the global energy mix, ensuring the stable integration of wind farms into the grid is paramount. Dr. Mo’s research offers a novel approach to transient voltage stabilization control, providing a new idea for power systems containing large-scale wind power. “This strategy effectively solves the contradiction between system power imbalance and safe operation of equipment during HVRT,” Dr. Mo notes, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption and commercial impact.
Published in the journal *Power Technology*, Dr. Mo’s work represents a significant step forward in the field of wind power integration. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable and reliable energy future. The research not only addresses immediate technical challenges but also paves the way for future developments in cooperative regulation and power imbalance management, ensuring that wind farms can operate efficiently and safely even in the face of faults.