This paper analyzes the extent to which the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability of wind farms using squirrel cage generators can be enhanced by the use of a STATCOM, compared to the thyristor controlled static var compensator (SVC). The transient stability margin is proposed as the indicator of LVRT capability. A simplified analytical approach based on torque-slip characteristics is first proposed to quantify the effect of the STATCOM and the SVC on the transient stability margin. Results from experiments with a STATCOM and a 7.5 kW induction machine emulating a wind turbine are used to validate the suggested analytical approach. Further verifications based on detailed time-domain simulations are also provided. Calculations, simulations and measurements confirm how the increased STATCOM rating can provide an increased transient stability margin and thus enhanced LVRT capability. Compared to the SVC, the STATCOM gives a larger contribution to the transient margin as indicated by both calculations and simulations. The inaccuracies introduced by neglecting the flux transients in the suggested approach are discussed and found reasonable for an estimation method when considering the simplicity compared to detailed time-domain simulation studies. A method for estimating the required rating of different compensation devices to ensure stability after a fault is suggested based on the same approach.

Low Voltage Ride Through of Wind Farms With Cage Generators: STATCOM Versus SVC

In the last two decades, emerging use of renewable and distributed energy sources in electricity grid has created new challenges for the utility regarding the power quality, voltage stabilization and efficient energy utilization. Power electronic converters are extensively utilized to interface the emerging energy systems (without and with energy storage) and smart buildings with the transmission and distribution systems. Flexible ac transmission systems (FACTSs) and voltage-source converters, with smart dynamic controllers, are emerging as a stabilization and power filtering equipment to improve the power quality. Also, distributed FACTSs play an important role in improving the power factor, energy utilization, enhancing the power quality, and ensuring efficient energy utilization and energy management in smart grids with renewable energy sources. This paper presents a literature survey of FACTS technology tools and applications for power quality and efficient renewable energy system utilization.

Review of FACTS technologies and applications for power quality in smart grids with renewable energy systems

This paper investigates possible improvements in grid voltage stability and transient stability with wind energy converter units using modified P/Q control. The voltage source converter (VSC) in modern variable speed wind turbines is utilized to achieve this enhancement. The findings show that using only available hardware for variable-speed turbines improvements could be obtained in all cases. Moreover, it was found that power system stability improvement is often larger when the control is modified for a given variable speed wind turbine rather than when standard variable speed turbines are used instead of fixed speed turbines. To demonstrate that the suggested modifications can be incorporated in real installations, a real situation is presented where short-term voltage stability is improved as an additional feature of an existing VSC high voltage direct current (HVDC) installation

Variable Speed Wind Turbines for Power System Stability Enhancement

This paper presents the results of an investigation of a voltage collapse case in a heavily stressed, large power system. The study is focused on examining the impact of a fault at the bulk transmission level in the system during summer peak load conditions. The power system under study has significant amount of air conditioning load. The power system components modeled in detail include both static and dynamic loads at key distribution feeders, over excitation limiters, switchable shunts, STATCOM, and static VAr compensators. The impact of induction motors on voltage stability is studied with the focus on trajectory sensitivity. The concept of trajectory sensitivity index is proposed as a method to identify the location for dynamic VAr support to mitigate the short-term voltage instability problem caused by large disturbances. The comparison of SVCs and STATCOM performance is discussed.

Dynamic VAr Planning in a Large Power System Using Trajectory Sensitivities

The series connection of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)/diode devices allows the operation at voltage levels higher than the rated voltage of one IGBT/diode. However, due to individual parameter differences of the series-connected IGBT/diodes, it is difficult to ensure a proper voltage balance between them, and transient or steady-state voltage unbalances could cause the failure of these devices. This paper presents an active gate driver developed by the authors that is suitable for the series connection of IGBTs. The proposed active gate driver achieves the transient and steady-state voltage balance between the series-connected IGBT/diode devices. The effectiveness of the gate driver and the active gate control method has been experimentally validated, and promising results have been obtained.

An Experimentally Verified Active Gate Control Method for the Series Connection of IGBT/Diodes

Examination of the behavior of SVCs and STATCOMs in electric power systems is presented. The paper is based on analytical and simulation analysis, and conclusions can be used as power industry guidelines. We explain the principle structures of SVCs and STATCOMs, the models for dynamic studies, and the impact of these devices on steady state voltage and transient voltage stability. Sensitivity analysis is provided which shows the impact of SVCs and STATCOMs with regard to network strength. Harmonic issues, space requirements, and price discussions are also briefly addressed.

B. Thorvaldson

Papers

Benefits of SVC and STATCOM for electric utility application