Real-Time Simulation of a Wind Energy System Based on the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator

This paper presents the real-time digital simulation of a grid-connected wind turbine generator system (WTGS)based on a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG). A 1.5-MWWTGS is the basis for model development. First a detailed electromagnetic transient model for the WTGS is developed in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. This model includes the complete aerodynamic, mechanical and electrical components of the wind turbine, the back-to-back voltage source converter (VSC)-based power electronic interface, as well as the mechanical and electrical controllers of the WTGS. The overall grid-connected WTGS model was then order-reduced and implemented on a PC-cluster-based real-time digital simulator. The maximum execution time of the DFIG model and control was 5.53 microseconds, while that of the grid-connected WTGS was 15.375 microseconds. Real-time oscilloscope results are presented to illustrate the WTGS controller performance, the variable wind speed dynamics, and interaction of the WTGS with grid faults. The real-time WTGS model can be readily used for hardware-in-the-loop testing.