Effect of intermittent voltage source converter faults on the overall performance of wind energy conversion system

The doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is interfaced to the AC network through voltage source converters (VSCs) which are considered to be the core of the DFIG system. This paper investigates the impact of different intermittent VSC faults on the overall performance of a DFIG-based wind energy conversion system (WECS). The fault ride through capability of the DFIG under various VSC faults is also investigated. Faults such as open circuit and short circuit across the switches, when they occur within the grid side converter (GSC) and rotor side converter (RSC), are considered and compared in this paper. Short circuit and open circuit across the DC-link capacitor are also considered in this study as common VSC problems. Simulation results indicate that the short circuit faults have a severe impact on the overall performance of the DFIG, especially when they occur within the GSC. This is attributed to the fact that the GSC directly regulates the point of common coupling voltage. The open circuit faults have less impact on the performance of the DFIG-based WECS. A proper controller along with flexible AC transmission device should be available to compensate the required active and reactive power during these faults. A protection technique is necessary to detect these faults in advance to protect the VSC switches and the machine winding from any catastrophic failure

Configurations of aromatic networks for power distribution system

A distribution network is one of the main parts of a power system that distributes power to customers. While there are various types of power distribution networks, a recently introduced novel structure of an aromatic network could begin a new era in the distribution levels of power systems and designs of microgrids or smart grids. In order to minimize blackout periods during natural disasters and provide sustainable energy, improve energy efficiency and maintain stability of a distribution network, it is essential to configure/reconfigure the network topology based on its geographical location and power demand, and also important to realize its self-healing function. In this paper, a strategy for reconfiguring aromatic networks based on structures of natural aromatic molecules is explained. Various network structures are designed, and simulations have been conducted to justify the performance of each configuration. It is found that an aromatic network does not need to be fixed in a specific configuration (i.e., a DDT structure), which provides flexibility in designing networks and demonstrates that the successful use of such structures will be a perfect solution for both distribution networks and microgrid systems in providing sustainable energy to the end users

Distribution grid codes : opportunities and challenges

Traditional distribution networks were not originally designed to accommodate power generation facilities. The installation of distributed generation (DG) units with significatn capacity in these passive networks can cause reverse power flows which will result in some conflicts with the operation of the existing protection system. In this context, utilities around the world have started establishing requirements to ensure safe and reliable interconnection of generators in low- and medium-voltage networks. Grid interconnection is presently one of the most important issues involving DG. This paper presents a critical review of the requirements adopted by distribution companies in selected countries such as the USA, the UK, germany and Australia to facilitate the connection of DG. Critical issues such as voltage regulation, islanding operation, dynamic interactions among DG and loads are discussed to identify a few points where attention is still needed to improve the reliability of distribution system

Stable operation of distribution networks using D-STATCOM considering uncertainties in load compositions

This paper presents a novel control design for D-STATCOM to ensure grid code-compatible performance of distributed wind generators. The approach considered in this paper is to find the smallest upper bound on the H norm of the uncertain system and to design an optimal linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller based on this bound. The change in the model due to variations of induction motor (IM) load compositions in the composite load is considered as an uncertain term in the design algorithm. The performance of the designed controller is demonstrated on a distribution test system representative of the Kumamoto area in Japan. It is found that the proposed controller enhances voltage stability of the distribution system under varying operating condition

Impact of high PV penetration into distribution networks under contingencies

This paper analyzes the static voltage stability of distribution networks with photovoltaic (PV) generators under contingencies. The analysis is carried out on a widely used 16-bus test system. The paper treats the Q-V characteristics of the distribution grid for various PV penetration levels. Simulation results show that a higher penetration of PV increases the static coltage stability of the system. However, the tripping of multiple PV generators due to external disturbances, overloading and loss of distribution lines reduces the voltage stability margin of the system

A new approach for wind and solar type DG placement in power distribution networks to enhance systems stability

This paper proposes a distributed generator (DG) placement methodology based on newly defined term reactive power loadability. The effectiveness of the proposed planning is carried out over a distribution test system representative of the Kumamoto area in Japan. Firstly, this paper provides simulation results showing the sensitivity of the location of renewable energy based DG on voltage profile and stability of the system. Then, a suitable location is identified for two principal types DG, i. e., wind and solar, separately to enhance the stability margin of the system. The analysis shows that the proposed approach can reduce the power loss of the system, which in turn, reduces the size of compensating devices

Small-signal stability assessment of active distribution networks with dynamic loads

This paper investigates small-signal stability of a distribution system with distributed generator and induction motor load, as a dynamic element. The analysis is carried out over a distribution test system with different types of induction motor loads. The system is linearised by the perturbation method. Eigenvalues and participation factors are calculated to see the modal interaction of the system. The study indicates that load voltage dynamics significantly influence the damping of a newly identified voltage mode. This mode has frequency of oscillation between the electromechanical and subsynchronous oscillation of power systems. To justify the validity of the modal analysis time domain simulation is also carried out. Finally, significant parameters of the system that affect the damping and frequency of the oscillation are identified

Voltage stability analysis with optimum size and location based synchronous machine DG

Power loss of a distribution system can be reduced significantly by using optimum size and location of distributed generation (DG). Proper allocation of DG with appropriate size maximizes overall system efficiency. Moreover it improves the reliability and voltage profile of the distribution system. In this paper, IEEE 123 node test feeder has been considered to determine the optimum size and location of a synchronous machine based DG for loss reduction of the system. This paper also investigates the steady-state and dynamic voltage profile of that three phase unbalance distribution network in presence of DG with optimum size. This analysis shows that optimum size of DG at proper location minimizes the power loss as well as improves the dynamic voltage profile of the distribution system

Reactive power management of distribution networks with wind generation for improving voltage stability

This paper proposes static and dynamic VAR planning based on the reactive power margin for enhancing dynamic voltage stability of distribution networks with distributed wind generation. Firstly, the impact of high wind penetration on the static voltage stability of the system is analysed and then the effect of composite loads on system dynamics is presented through an accurate time-domain analysis. A new index, reactive power loadability (Q-loadability), is used to measure the vulnerability of the network to voltage collapse. Compensating devices are located using Q-loadability to increase the system voltage stability limit. Finally, a cost-effective combination of shunt capacitor bank and distribution static compensator (D-STATCOM) is determined through static and dynamic analyses to ensure voltage stability of the system after a sudden disturbance for different wind penetration levels. This study takes into account the induction motor dynamic characteristics which influence the transient voltage recovery phenomenon. The results show that the proposed approach can reduce the required sizes of compensating devices which, in turn, reduces costs. It also reduces power losses and improves the voltage regulation of the system.Griffith Sciences, Griffith School of EngineeringNo Full Tex