Why is low voltage ride through important in wind energy conversion system?

The high penetration of grid connected wind energy has emerged as a recent trend in many countries. On the other hand, the problem of power generation loss due to the grid fault also arisen. The recent technological advancement suggests the importance of low voltage ride through (LVRT) in wind energy conversion system (WECS).

What is a high and low voltage ride through?

High and low voltage ride through refers to a wind turbine's ability to overcome situations where it would have otherwise shut down due to a high or low (or nonexistent) power supply. Such a system is able to preserve its ability to generate wind energy and continue making its owners money.

What voltage does a wind turbine use?

A modern wind turbine is often equipped with a transformer stepping up the generator terminal voltage, usually a voltage below 1 kV (E.g. 575 or 690 V), to a medium voltage around 20-30 kV, for the local electrical connection within a wind farm (distribution level).

Why does a wind generator draw more reactive power from the grid?

It draws more reactive power from the grid due to its self-excitation process during steady-state operation. The wind generator terminals are connected by low-cost Mechanically Switched Capacitors (MSCs) or shunt capacitor bank to provide unity power factor during voltage regulation.

Why is power supplied from wind turbine to grid reduced?

Power supplied from wind turbine to grid reduces in the event of grid faults for PMSG based WECS. As a result, the controller of grid side converter is unable to detect a voltage drop at the PCC and while, the machine side converter continues supplying active power to dc link capacitor.

Can a high supply voltage damage a wind turbine?

A high supply voltage can damage a wind turbine. However, there are standards in place specifying how much extra voltage each turbine can withstand before being harmed. A system that can preserve its ability to generate wind energy is one that continues to make its owners money.