David Santos-Martin

Direct Power Control Applied to Doubly Fed Induction Generator Under Unbalanced Grid Voltage Conditions

This paper analyzes the effects of unbalanced voltage on doubly fed induction generators. It also presents a novel control strategy based on direct power control (DPC+) applied to this type of generators, predominant in wind energy applications, that enables them to work under perturbed conditions and achieve optimum results. Although the technique can be implemented to control both rotor converters and grid converters, we will hereby exemplify the former which regulates stator active and reactive power. The results obtained with DPC+ are then compared through experimental tests to indicate that the technique is suitable and achieves good dynamic responses while controlling current distortion, power or torque oscillations. The validation of results has been performed through experimental tests on a 20-kW generator.

Providing Ride-Through Capability to a Doubly Fed Induction Generator Under Unbalanced Voltage Dips

This paper analyzes the effect of unbalanced voltage over doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) and presents a novel control strategy, named dynamic programming power control plus (DPPC+), based on dynamic programming control. The high penetration of wind energy in the electrical grids demands for new requirements for the operation of wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). DFIG is the most employed WECS, and the DPPC+ guarantees their operation under unbalance conditions achieving the required objectives. Although the technique can be implemented to control both rotor and grid converters, we hereby expound the former, which regulates stator active and reactive power. The validation of the results obtained with DPPC+ has been performed through the use of experimental tests on a 20-kW test bench, consisting of a DFIG and induction motor drive. The obtained results show that the DPPC+ is suitable for achieving a good dynamic response while controlling current distortion and power and/or torque oscillations for both steady-state conditions and unbalanced voltage dips, showing the low-voltage ride-through capability.

Problem-Based Learning in Wind Energy Using Virtual and Real Setups

The use of wind energy is now an established fact, and many educational institutions are introducing this topic into their engineering studies. Problem-based learning (PBL), as a student-centered instructional approach, has contributed to important developments in engineering education over the last few years. This paper presents the experience of a problem-based learning approach within the context of teaching wind energy conversion systems for electricity generation at an Electrical and Electronic Masters degree level. Students were given the problem of finding the response of a wind turbine to a grid fault. Groups of three students worked on a cooperative learning project for 15 weeks, with the instructor providing resource assistance and information at all stages of the work. Two tools were designed to help the students: a virtual wind turbine simulator and a real wind turbine setup. Both experimental tools are described, and the results obtained by the students are discussed. The results show that the students valued both tools and were able to address problems at a high cognitive level.

Optimal Operation of Offshore Wind Farms With Line-Commutated HVDC Link Connection

This paper aims to calculate the optimal operation of offshore wind farms (OWF) working with wind turbines based on doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) technologies, and with a high-voltage dc transmission connection. The objective of the optimization problem is to maximize the active power output of the arrangement, while considering certain factors, i.e., the restrictions imposed by the available wind power, the capability curve of the DFIG, the dc-link model, and the operative conditions. The accomplishment of this aim implies setting, adjusting, and operating the system under study in order to produce a reliable and cost-efficient electric energy supply. A realistic simulation test case is performed to evaluate the proposed method, and the optimal operation analysis takes into account different wind speeds and high-voltage dc-link lengths. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating the advantages of using the reactive control performed by the DFIG to manage the operational requirements of the dc link.

A New Variable-Frequency Optimal Direct Power Control Algorithm

This paper presents a new formulation for direct power control (DPC) with several improvements over previous DPC formulations such as an exact discrete-time expression for the predicted power variations yielded by a given inverter switching state and the inclusion of the computing delay time in the model. Based on this formulation, a variable-frequency optimal DPC algorithm is presented that selects the inverter switching state that minimizes the power error. This algorithm shows an excellent precision in estimating power variations, therefore reducing power ripple and unwanted current harmonics, while retaining the fast dynamics inherent to variable-frequency DPC. This makes this algorithm suitable for interfacing distributed generation to microgrids, where a fast and accurate power control is desirable in order to perform voltage and frequency regulation. Additionally, studies are carried out regarding the average switching frequency and the influence of the model parameters on the algorithm robustness.

Dynamic Programming Power Control for Doubly Fed Induction Generators

This paper presents a novel control strategy, dynamic programming power control (DPPC), to be applied to doubly fed induction generators most commonly used in wind energy applications. Although the technique can be implemented to control both rotor and grid converters, it will hereby be expounded the former, which regulates stator active and reactive powers. The results obtained are compared with those from other techniques, such as direct torque/power control (DTC/DPC) through the use of experimental tests, and indicate that DPPC achieves gains in dynamic response and considerable improvements in terms of ripple reduction and frequency spectrum as a result of constant switching frequency operation. The validation of results has been performed through experimental tests on a 6-kW generator.