Impact of fault ride-through methods on wind power generators in a VSC-HVDC system

Voltage source converter based high voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) system is a relatively good choice for the grid integration of large-scale wind farms. When faults occur in the AC grid, the fault ride-through (FRT) controller of wind power generators can maintain the stability of the system. However, the controller will have impact on the wind power generators performance. To study on the FRT problem for wind power generators in a VSC-HVDC system, this paper developes a simulation model of the two-terminal VSC-HVDC system including detailed models of wind farms with conventional asynchronous generators and doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) using PSCAD/EMTDC. Two typical FRT methods, i.e., frequency increase method and voltage reduction method are verified. Furthermore, the characteristics of different wind power generators with different FRT methods are studied. The typical impact of FRT methods on the wind power generators in a VSC-HVDC system is obtained. The conclusions can provide a reliable reference for choosing appropriate FRT methods for different wind power generators integrated into a VSC-HVDC system. ©, 2015, Automation of Electric Power Systems Press. All right reserved.