Application of Superconductors to Suppress Ferroresonance Overvoltage in DFIG-WECS

While much attention was given in the literature to improve the fault ride through (FRT) capability of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy conversion system (WECS) during various faults at the grid side, not much attention was given to investigate and improve the performance of the DFIG-WECS under ferroresonance conditions. This paper investigates the impact of ferroresonance on the overall performance of a DFIG-WECS. The paper also presents a new technique to improve the high voltage ride through capability of the investigated system under such condition. The proposed technique relies on incorporating a superconducting coil within the dc-link of the DFIG grid-side and rotor-side converters. Energy exchange between the coil and the system is controlled through regulating the duty cycle of the dc-chopper interfacing the coil with the dc-link. In this regard, a simple but yet effective proportional-integral (PI) controller is employed to regulate the dc-chopper duty cycle. Parameters of the PI controller are optimized using elephant herding optimization algorithm. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller in improving the overall performance of a DFIG-WECS during ferroresonance events.