Optimized Performance and Stability Enhancement of DFIG Wind Farms Using Advanced FACTS-Based Filter Compensators

Abstract

The increased penetration of renewable energy resources into electric power systems requires closer attention to grid power quality issues. In particular, the integration of renewables like windmills has substantially affected power quality standards. The harmonics generated by pulse width modulation (PWM) control and nonlinear masses can negatively impact grid balance and power delivery reliability. To mitigate harmonics, flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) filters at the grid side have been introduced in motor drives, electric automobile chargers, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LEDs, and inverters applied as interfaces for storage structures units in doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) windmills. By deploying FACTS filters, the negative impacts of harmonics can be efficiently addressed, ensuring improved performance of DFIG windmills and enhancing grid balance. The present study underscores the importance of FACTS filters in lowering harmonics and improving power quality in DFIG wind turbine systems working under various loading conditions. This work introduces a novel FACTS device that has been tested in a MATLAB-Simulink software environment. The proposed FACTS tool utilizes insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) switches managed by distinctive control techniques, such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers. The proposed FACTS-based switched filter compensator (SFC) scheme is validated for efficient energy utilization and robust performance under various operating conditions, including normal loading, open-circuit, and short-circuit faults. The SFC, comprising series and shunt capacitors with sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM)-switched IGBTs, is controlled by a fast-acting, modified, error-driven dual regulation dynamic control scheme [1]. Simulation results demonstrate the tool's effectiveness in voltage stabilization, power factor improvement, and power quality enhancement. Compared to conventional harmonic filters, FACTS devices like STATCOM and static synchronous series compensators (SSSCs) show improved performance in total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction for renewable energy systems [2]. The SFC scheme can be extended to integrate various distributed generation systems, ensuring efficient power delivery and reliable grid integration in modern power systems.