Wind Farm to Weak-Grid Connection using UPQC custom power device

Abstract

Wind Farms (WF) employing squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) directly connected to the grid, represent a large percentage of the wind energy conversion systems around the world. In facilities with moderated power generation, the WF are connected through medium voltage (MV) distribution headlines. A situation commonly found in such scheme is that the power generated is comparable to the transport capacity of the grid. This case is known as Wind Farm to Weak Grid Connection, and its main problem is the poor voltage regulation at the point of common coupling (PCC). Thus, the combination of weak grids, wind power fluctuation and system load changes produce disturbances in the PCC voltage, worsening the Power Quality and WF stability. This situation can be improved using control methods at generator level, or compensation techniques at PCC. In case of wind farms based on SCIG directly connected to the grid, is necessary to employ the last alternative. Custom power devices technology (CUPS) result very usefull for this kind of application. In this paper is proposed a compensation strategy based on a particular CUPS device, the Unified Power Quality Compensator (UPQC). A customized internal control scheme of the UPQC device was developed to regulate the voltage in the WF terminals, and to mitigate voltage fluctuations at grid side. The internal control strategy is based on the management of active and reactive power in the series and shunt converters of the UPQC, and the exchange of power between converters through UPQC DC-Link. This approach increase the compensation capability of the UPQC with respect to other custom strategies that use reactive power only. Simulations results show the effectiveness of the proposed compensation strategy for the enhancement of Power Quality and Wind Farm stability.