Enhancing low voltage ride through capability of grid connected DFIG based WECS using WCA-PSO tuned STATCOM controller

This paper investigates the utilization of a STATCOM to enhance the LVRT capability of a 9 MW DFIG based Wind Power Plant (WPP) during grid faults. The STATCOM under investigation is tuned using the Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and a hybrid algorithm of both WCA and PSO. Simulations are carried out in MATLAB programming software, using SimScape toolbox. Performance analysis is done by investigating the ability of the test system to ride through voltage sags on the grid side, with incorporation of the STATCOM tuned using WCA, PSO and further with the hybrid WCA-PSO algorithm. To confirm effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, simulation results for the three scenarios are compared. Results show that LVRT capability of the Danish power system was met for L-G faults. However, without a STATCOM, the WPP could not ride through LLL-G faults. When STATCOM was incorporated, LVRT capability requirements were met. Voltage fluctuations reduce from 17% to 3%, without STATCOM and with WCA-PSO tuned model, respectively, during L-G faults. During LLL-G faults, voltage magnitude fluctuates from 60% to 25%, without STATCOM and with WCA-PSO tuned model respectively. WCA-PSO tuned STATCOM also resulted in the least voltage, active and reactive power overshoots.