DC-link fault current limiter-based fault ride-through scheme for inverter-based distributed generation

Owing to increasing the penetration level of the inverter-based distributed generations (IBDGs) in power systems, their fault ride-through (FRT) capability has become one of the essential issues of new grid codes. This study proposes a novel DC-link fault current limiter (DLFCL)-based FRT scheme to improve the FRT capability in IBDG units. The DLFCL module has almost no effect on normal operation of IBDG. When a short-circuit fault occurs in power system, the DLFCL module effectively limits the inverter output current and protects its switching devices. The employed DLFCL does not need any control, measurement and gate driving system. Also, it has simple configuration and it is not mandatory to use a superconductor inductor in its power circuit so, it has low initial cost. By using the proposed scheme, it is possible to provide continues operation of IBDG even at zero grid voltage. Analytical analysis is presented in details. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is approved through extensive simulation studies in PSCAD/EMTDC environment. An experimental setup is used to verify the main concept of the proposed approach.

[1]  Geert Deconinck,et al.  Protection of microgrids with a high penetration of inverter-coupled energy sources , 2009, 2009 CIGRE/IEEE PES Joint Symposium Integration of Wide-Scale Renewable Resources Into the Power Delivery System.

[2]  Reza Iravani,et al.  Voltage-Sourced Converters in Power Systems: Modeling, Control, and Applications , 2010 .

[3]  G.T. Heydt,et al.  Fault Current Contribution From Synchronous Machine and Inverter Based Distributed Generators , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[4]  Taha Selim Ustun,et al.  A central microgrid protection system for networks with fault current limiters , 2011, 2011 10th International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering.

[5]  M. R. Iravani,et al.  Control of a Multiple Source Microgrid With Built-in Islanding Detection and Current Limiting , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[6]  Ali Keyhani,et al.  Smart Power Grids 2011 , 2012 .

[7]  Yong Kang,et al.  Short-Circuit Fault Protection Strategy for High-Power Three-Phase Three-Wire Inverter , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics.

[8]  M.A. Golkar,et al.  Control of hybrid fuel cell/battery distributed power generation system with voltage sag ride-through capability , 2008, 2008 IEEE 2nd International Power and Energy Conference.

[9]  Ramesh C. Bansal,et al.  Handbook of renewable energy technology , 2011 .

[10]  Benjamin Kroposki,et al.  Advanced Power Electronic Interfaces for Distributed Energy Systems Part 1: Systems and Topologies , 2008 .

[11]  J. Miret,et al.  Control Scheme for Photovoltaic Three-Phase Inverters to Minimize Peak Currents During Unbalanced Grid-Voltage Sags , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[12]  Sewan Choi,et al.  Fault ride through control with voltage compensation capability for utility interactive inverter with critical load , 2011, 8th International Conference on Power Electronics - ECCE Asia.

[13]  M. T. Hagh,et al.  Nonsuperconducting Fault Current Limiter With Controlling the Magnitudes of Fault Currents , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[14]  Junji Tamura,et al.  Low voltage ride through capability enhancement of grid connected large scale photovoltaic system , 2011, IECON 2011 - 37th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society.

[15]  L. Moran,et al.  A fault protection scheme for series active power filters , 1996, PESC Record. 27th Annual IEEE Power Electronics Specialists Conference.

[16]  Ehab F. El-Saadany,et al.  An improved fault ride-through strategy for doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbines , 2008 .

[17]  Mehdi Abapour,et al.  Non-superconducting fault current limiters , 2009 .

[18]  Benjamin Kroposki,et al.  Understanding Fault Characteristics of Inverter-Based Distributed Energy Resources , 2010 .

[19]  M. Abapour,et al.  Voltage Sag Compensation of Point of Common Coupling (PCC) Using Fault Current Limiter , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[20]  Timothy C. Green,et al.  Comparison of Current-Limiting Strategies During Fault Ride-Through of Inverters to Prevent Latch-Up and Wind-Up , 2014, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics.

[21]  A. Keyhani.  Smart Power Grids , 2012 .

[22]  Gaurav Sethi,et al.  Superconducting Fault Current Limiter , 2014 .

[23]  Juan C. Vasquez,et al.  Flexible Voltage Support Control for Three-Phase Distributed Generation Inverters Under Grid Fault , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[24]  Timothy C. Green,et al.  Fault response of grid-connected inverter dominated networks , 2010, IEEE PES General Meeting.

[25]  Reza Iravani,et al.  Voltage-Sourced Converters in Power Systems: Modeling, Control, and Applications , 2010 .

[26]  Lingling Fan,et al.  Investigation of Microgrids With Both Inverter Interfaced and Direct AC-Connected Distributed Energy Resources , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[27]  Timothy C. Green,et al.  Fault models of inverter-interfaced distributed generators: Experimental verification and application to fault analysis , 2011, 2011 IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting.

[28]  M.R. Iravani,et al.  A Control Strategy for a Distributed Generation Unit in Grid-Connected and Autonomous Modes of Operation , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[29]  E. Gunawan,et al.  Solutions for the “Silent Node” Problem in an Automatic Meter Reading System Using Power-Line Communications , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[30]  Bin Lu,et al.  A Literature Review of IGBT Fault Diagnostic and Protection Methods for Power Inverters , 2008, 2008 IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting.

[31]  Reza Iravani,et al.  Overcurrent and Overload Protection of Directly Voltage-Controlled Distributed Resources in a Microgrid , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.