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CHAPTER 5

FAULT AND HARMONIC ANALYSIS USING PV ARRAY

BASED STATCOM

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Inherent characteristics of renewable energy resources cause technical

issues not encountered with conventional thermal, hydro or nuclear power.

These issues make operation of the renewable energy resources and their

integration with the grid system a technical challenge. The rapid development

of the renewable energy power industry, together with the rising challenges,

has drawn many of the world’s leading professional associations and

organizations into this fast growing field.

Among all the rising challenges, one important issue is how to

integrate renewable energy sources with the grid through power electronic

converters as well as associated control system design. Although traditional

approaches have been developed for power converter control of renewable

energy systems, there is a critical need to develop new and improved power

converter control technologies for many reasons such as

1) The existing power converter control technologies in grid integrated

renewable energy generation systems do not perform well in some

cases.

2) Unbalance and high harmonic distortion have been found in renewable

energy conversion systems, which not only affect the grid system but

also affect the renewable energy sources.

3) The existing power converter control mechanism has an inherent

deficiency, which can cause malfunctions of the system, such as

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abnormal DC capacitor voltage, active and reactive power, or output

currents. These malfunctions may make the gird integration of the

renewable energy sources unstable and may even cause power system

trips [69], [72], [85].

This chapter investigates the effectiveness of PV based STATCOM,

explained in the previous chapter, in increasing the system stability during

fault condition and reducing Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). The proposed

PV based STATCOM is tested in a Distributed Generation system consisting

of a grid interconnected wind farm and solar farm.

5.2 DOUBLY FED INDUCTION GENERATOR (DFIG)

DFIG is an abbreviation for Doubly Fed Induction Generator, a

generating principle widely used in wind turbines. It is based on an induction

generator with a multiphase wound rotor and a multiphase slip ring assembly

with brushes for access to the rotor windings.

A doubly fed induction machine is a wound-rotor doubly-fed electric

machine and has several advantages over a conventional induction machine in

wind power applications:

• First, as the rotor circuit is controlled by a power electronics converter,

the induction generator is able to both import and export reactive

power. This has important consequences for power system stability and

allows the machine to support the grid during severe voltage

disturbances (low voltage ride through, LVRT).

• Second, the control of the rotor voltages and currents enables the

induction machine to remain synchronized with the grid while the wind

turbine speed varies. A variable speed wind turbine utilizes the

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available wind resource more efficiently than a fixed speed wind

turbine, especially during light wind conditions.

• Third, the cost of the converter is low when compared with other

variable speed solutions because only a fraction of the mechanical

power, typically 25-30 %, is fed to the grid through the converter, the

rest being fed to grid directly from the stator. The efficiency of the

DFIG is very good for the same reason.

Figure 5.1 The wind turbine and the doubly-fed induction generator

5.2.1 DFIG Construction and Working Principle

The principle of the DFIG in figure 5.1 is that rotor windings are

connected to the grid via slip rings and back-to-back voltage source converter

that controls both the rotor and the grid currents. Thus rotor frequency can

freely differ from the grid frequency (50 or 60 Hz). By using the converter to

control the rotor currents, it is possible to adjust the active and reactive power

fed to the grid from the stator independently of the generator's turning speed.

The control principle used is either the two-axis current vector control or

direct torque control (DTC). DTC has turned out to have better stability than

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current vector control especially when high reactive currents are required

from the generator.

The doubly-fed generator rotors are typically wound with 2 to 3 times

the number of turns of the stator. This means that the rotor voltages will be

higher and currents respectively lower. Thus in the typical ± 30 % operational

speed range around the synchronous speed, the rated current of the converter

is accordingly lower which leads to a lower cost of the converter. The

drawback is that controlled operation outside the operational speed range is

impossible because of the higher than rated rotor voltage. Further, the voltage

transients due to the grid disturbances (three- and two-phase voltage dips,

especially) will also be magnified. In order to prevent high rotor voltages and

high currents resulting from these voltages from destroying the IGBTs and

diodes of the converter, a protection circuit (called crowbar) is used.

The crowbar in figure 5.1 will short-circuit the rotor windings through

a small resistance when excessive currents or voltages are detected. In order

to be able to continue the operation as quickly as possible an active crowbar

has to be used. The active crowbar can remove the rotor short in a controlled

way and thus the rotor side converter can be started only after 20-60 ms from

the start of the grid disturbance. Thus, it is possible to generate reactive

current to the grid during the rest of the voltage dip and in this way, it helps

the grid to recover from the fault.

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5.2.2 POWER FLOW IN DFIG

Figure 5.2 Power flow in DFIG

Pm Mechanical power captured by the wind turbine and transmitted to the

rotor

Ps Stator electrical power output

Pr Rotor electrical power output

Pgc Cgrid electrical power output

Qs Stator reactive power output

Qr Rotor reactive power output

Qgc Cgrid reactive power output

Tm Mechanical torque applied to rotor

Tem Electromagnetic torque applied to the rotor by the generator

ωr Rotational speed of rotor

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ωs Rotational speed of the magnetic flux in the air-gap of the generator,

this speed is named synchronous speed. It is proportional to the

frequency of the grid voltage and to the number of generator poles.

J Combined rotor and wind turbine inertia coefficient

The mechanical power and the stator electric power output are

computed as follows: [87]

m m rP T ω= (5.1)

s em sP T ω= (5.2)

For a loss less generator the mechanical equation is:

rm em

dJ T Tdtω

= − (5.3)

Generally the absolute value of slip is much lower than 1 and

consequently, Pr is only a fraction of Ps. Since Tm is positive for power

generation and since ωs is positive and constant for a constant frequency grid

voltage, the sign of Pr is a function of the slip sign. Pr is positive for negative

slip (speed greater than synchronous speed) and it is negative for positive slip

(speed lower than synchronous speed). For super-synchronous speed

operation, Pr is transmitted to DC bus capacitor and tends to raise the DC

voltage. For sub-synchronous speed operation, Pr is taken out of DC bus

capacitor and tends to decrease the DC voltage. Cgrid is used to generate or

absorb the power Pgc in order to keep the DC voltage constant. In steady-state

for a loss less AC/DC/AC converter Pgc is equal to Pr and the speed of the

wind turbine is determined by the power Pr absorbed or generated by Crotor.

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The phase-sequence of the AC voltage generated by Crotor is positive

for sub-synchronous speed and negative for super-synchronous speed. The

frequency of this voltage is equal to the product of the grid frequency and the

absolute value of the slip.

Crotor and Cgrid have the capability of generating or absorbing reactive

power and could be used to control the reactive power or the voltage at the

grid terminals.

5.3 SIMULATION OF WIND ENERGY SYSTEM

Wind turbines using a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) consist

of a wound rotor induction generator and an AC/DC/AC IGBT-based PWM

converter modeled by voltage sources. The stator winding is connected

directly to the 50 Hz grid while the rotor is fed at variable frequency through

the AC/DC/AC converter. The DFIG technology allows extracting maximum

energy from the wind for low wind speeds by optimizing the turbine speed,

while minimizing mechanical stresses on the turbine during gusts of wind.

Figure 5.3 grid voltage

Figure 5.3 shows the grid voltage during normal conditions. The value

of the grid voltage is maintained at 1 p.u. The initial transients in the

waveform are due to the synchronization of DFIG with the Grid.

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Figure 5.4 grid current

The figure 5.4 shows the grid current during the normal condition. A

constant load is connected and hence the grid current is maintained a constant

value.

Figure 5.5 rotor voltages

Figure 5.6 rotor currents

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Figure 5.7 stator voltages

The rotor voltage, rotor current and the stator voltages of the DFIG is

shown in the figure 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7 respectively.

The wind speed is set to 5m/s initially and then increased to 14m/s at

time t=1 second. The reactive power produced by the wind turbine is

regulated at 0 Mvar as in figure 5.8.

Figure 5.8 P, Q in pu

5.4 PV ARRAY BASED STATCOM SIMULATION

The PV based STATCOM modelled in chapter 3 as shown in figure

5.9, is used here for validating its ability in increasing the system stability

during fault condition.

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Figure 5.9 PV array based STATCOM

5.5 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The simulation results carried out using MATLAB SIMULINK

software. The actual system is created using the model available in the

MATLAB Simulink model library and the system performance has been

anlaysed and verified.

The following system is considered as the test system. A 9 MW wind

farm consisting of six 1.5 MW wind turbines connected to a 25 kV

distribution system exports power to a 120 kV grid through a 30 km, 25 kV

feeder as in figure 5.10.

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Figure 5.10 Test System

The ratings of the system considered are given below

Grid voltage: 120KV

Inductance MVA: 2500MVA

Transformer 1 Rating

Primary voltage: 120KV

Secondary Voltage: 25KV

MVA Rating: 47MVA

Transformer 2 Rating

Primary Voltage: 25KV

Secondary Voltage: 575KV

MVA Rating: 6*1.75MVA

Wind Turbine

No of Turbines: 6

Stator RMS Voltage: 575KV

Rotor RMS Voltage: 1975V

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Double tuned filter

Harmonics Tuned: 11th and 13th.

5.6 FAULT ANALYSIS USING PV BASED STATCOM

The integrated system is tested by implementing a single phase to

ground fault in phase “A” at 25kV bus. It is then tested whether the PV based

STATCOM is able to provide compensation for the system at that bus to

which it is connected.

This analysis is carried out with the help of the following three cases.

Case 1: Voltage and current values at PCC during normal condition

Case 2: Voltage and current values at PCC after the occurrence of fault.

Case 3: Voltage and current values at PCC after the action of PV based

STATCOM

Case 4: Fault ride through capability of PV based STATCOM

5.6.1 Case1:Under normal condition the voltage and current profile in the

25kv bus is as shown in figure 5.11. Here after an initial fluctuation for

about 0.2 sec the voltages and currents profile is well within the ±5%

pu value criteria. The reason for the fluctuation is due to change over

of speed from 5m/s to 14m/s. The simulation is conducted for duration

of 2 sec. Also the zoomed view of the voltages and currents is shown

in figure 5.12.

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Figure 5.11 voltage and current at 25kv bus under normal condition

Figure 5.12 Zoomed view of voltages and currents profile at 25 kV bus

under normal condition

5.6.2 Case2:When the system is under normal condition single phase short

circuit fault is created on the “phase A” line at the 25kv bus at the

instant of 0.8S. The voltage decreases and current increases after the

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instant at 0.8S as shown in the figure 5.13 and propagates till the

complete cycle of the simulation.

Figure 5.13 voltages and current profile at the 25kv bus after fault

5.6.3 Case3: In this case the fault is implemented at 25kv bus at about 0.8

sec and is allowed to propagate. At 1 sec PV array STATCOM is

brought into action and after 1.2 sec system is compensated and system

is restored to normal condition after 1.2 sec as shown in figure 5.14.

Figure 5.14 Voltages and Current profile at 25kv bus after STATCOM action

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5.6.4 Fault Ride Through (FRT) Capability: In order to evaluate the Fault

ride through capability of PV based STATCOM following unbalanced

faults, a single-phase short-circuit (phase a) is simulated in the test

system shown in figure 5.10 at t=1s and with a clearing time of 500

ms.

Figure 5.14 a Voltage at PCC without PV based STATCOM

The voltage at the PCC is shown in the figure without PV based

STATCOM. As it can be observed from figure 5.14 a, the voltage at phase a,

becomes zero during the fault condition.

Figure 5.14 b Voltage at PCC with PV based STATCOM

The voltage at the PCC after connecting PV based STATCOM in

figure 5.14 b, shows the continuous supply of phase a even during the fault

duration of 1s to 1.5s.This is due to the reactive power injection by the PV

based STATCOM thereby incorporating the FRT capability for the system.

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The results of the three cases are summarized below.

Table 5.1 Tabulation of System Results

Condition Voltage profile Current profile

Case 1:

Under normal condition

Voltage is maintained

at 1 PU.

Current is maintained as

per system requirement

Case 2:

Fault occurs at 0.8sec

and sustains till the

complete simulation

Voltage profile finds a

dip below 1 PU.

Due to short circuit,

current increases

enormously and exceeds

system limit

Case 3:

Fault occurs at 0.8sec,

STATCOM acts at 1sec

Voltage falls below

1PU and after

inclusion of

STATCOM the profile

is restored at 1.2 sec

within limits

Current increases

drastically and exceeds

the system limit. And

then restored to normal

condition after inclusion

of STATCOM at 1.2 sec

5.7 HARMONIC ANALYSIS USING PV BASED STATCOM

The nonlinear loads draw non-sinusoidal currents from the utility and

contribute to numerous power systems problems. The currents drawn from the

grid are rich in harmonics with the order of 6k ±1, that is, 5, 7, 11, 13, etc.

These harmonics currents result in lower power factor, overheating and

electromagnetic interference (EMI). In recent past, there has been

considerable interest in the development and applications of active filters due

to the increasing concern over power quality at both distribution and

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consumer levels. In order to address this matter, the power electronics circuits

incorporating power switching devices and passive energy storage circuit

elements, such as inductors and capacitors which are known as active filter

are used [89].

Effects of Harmonics

The reason for which the harmonics have to be eliminated from the

power system is due to the following effects

• Failure of electrical / electronic components

• Overheating of neutral wires

• Transformer heating

• Failure of power factor correction capacitors

• Losses in power generation and transmission

• Noise coupling on telephone lines etc

5.7.1 Harmonic Analysis of DFIG for a Wind Energy Conversion

System

Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) are widely used in wind

generation. The possibility of getting a constant frequency ac output from a

DFIG while driven by a variable speed prime mover improves the efficacy of

energy harvest from wind. Unlike a squirrel-cage induction generator, which

has its rotor short-circuited, a DFIG has its rotor terminals,which are

accessible.

The rotor of a DFIG is fed with a variable-frequency (ωr) and variable-

magnitude three-phase voltage. This ac voltage injected into the rotor circuit

will generate a flux and a stator voltage/current with a frequency ωr if the

rotor is standing still. When the rotor is rotating at a speed ωm, the net flux

linkage and the stator voltage/current will have a frequency ωs= ωr+ ωm.

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When the wind speed changes, the rotor speed ωm will change, and in order to

have the net flux linkage at a frequency 60 Hz, the rotor injection frequency

should also be adjusted.

5.8 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Grid voltage: 120KV Inductance MVA: 2600MVA Transformer 1 Rating

Primary voltage: 120KV Secondary Voltage: 26KV MVA Rating: 47MVA

Transformer 2 Rating Primary Voltage: 26KV Secondary Voltage: 676KV MVA Rating: 6*1.76MVA

Wind Turbine No of Turbines: 6 Stator RMS Voltage: 676KV Rotor RMS Voltage: 1976V

Non Linear Load Three phase fully controlled thyristor rectifier of 12kW Basic System

Figure 5.15 Basic System

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The above system is considered for performing Harmonic analysis of

the PV based STATCOM. A non linear load is connected in the system to

create harmonic currents. The controller for PV based STATCOM as modeled

in chapter 3 is utilized for generating the gate pulses for the PV based

STATCOM operation. The amount of harmonics injected by the load will be

compensated by the PV based STATCOM itself.

The above analysis is carried out by calculating the harmonic content

(THD) present in the current waveform at PCC. The THD calculation has

been done by implementing the following three cases.

Case 1: Without non linear load Case 2: After connecting non linear load Case 3: After connecting PV based STATCOM. 5.8.1 Case 1

The test system is modeled by connecting DFIG and Solar farm to the

grid as shown in the figure 5.15. The current waveform at the point of

common coupling without any non linear load is as shown in figure 5.16. The

waveform has no harmonics.

Figure 5.16 Current at PCC without Non linear Load

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5.8.2 Case 2

A non-linear load is added to the system, and hence the current

waveform at PCC is distorted due to the harmonics injected by it. The

waveforms of current at PCC is as shown in the figure 5.17

Figure 5.17 Current at PCC with Non-linear load

Figure 5.18 FFT analysis with THD 22.89%

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The harmonics injected by the load is measured by the FFT analysis

and the THD is found to be 22.89%

5.8.3 Case 3

The PV based STATCOM acts upon the system with non linear load.

The current waveform at PCC is as shown in the figure 5.19. The amount of

harmonic content is reduced to a great extent by the filtering action of the PV

based STATCOM.

Figure 5.19 Current at PCC after harmonic compensation

After the compensation of the harmonics the THD in the current wave

is brought to 4.48%.

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Figure 5.20 FFT analysis with THD 4.48%

The results of all the three cases are summarized as below.

Table 5.2 THD values of PCC current

Description Values

With non-linear load 22.89%

With Harmonic Compensation 4.48%

5.9 SUMMARY

This chapter shows the effectiveness of PV based STATCOM in

increasing the system stability during fault condition and the suppression of

harmonic content introduced by non linear loads.

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The DFIG based WECS is modeled for performing both the fault and

harmonic analysis. A Distributed Generation system consisting of DFIG

based WECS and Solar farm connected to grid is considered as a test system.

For fault analysis, a single phase to ground fault is created at the 25 kV feeder

and the PV solar farm acts as a PV based STATCOM provides the required

compensation and increases the system stability.

The same test system is considered for performing the harmonic

analysis of the PV based STATCOM. The harmonic content is introduced by

adding a non linear load along with the existing load. In this case, the solar

farm acts as a PV based STATCOM to eliminate the harmonic content present

in the current waveform at PCC.

This chapter shows the approach of utilizing the hybrid energy sources

itself for providing the remedies to the encountered problem, thereby reducing

the cost, size of the system and also the losses.