Fault Ride Through in Grid-connected WECS Using FACTS

This paper discusses the effectiveness of installing two types of FACTS devices, namely STATCOM and DVR to enhance the fault ride through (FRT) capability of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) applied in wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The response of the DFIG to a 3-phase ground fault is investigated with each of these devices. Comparing the stator and rotor voltages, stator and rotor currents, active and reactive power, of the two investigated systems is presented. PI controllers are employed to allow the rotor speed to follow the turbine speed and to adjust the applied rotor voltage magnitude and phase angle according to the wind turbine speed for maximum power tracking. This is achieved by controlling the two PWM converters connected between the rotor circuit and the electrical grid. Results showed a better FRT when using the STATCOM device with the DFIG.