Control methods for low voltage ride-through compliance in grid-connected NPC converter based wind power systems using predictive control

Abstract

In presence of grid voltage dips, Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT) requirements demand the wind power plant to remain connected to the grid, helping the network to keep voltage and frequency stable. Neutral-Point-Clamped (NPC) converters are appropriate for wind power systems, because the current trend of increasing voltage levels. Predictive current control presents as fast dynamic response and accurate reference tracking as other well established control methods, while providing more flexibility. In this work, three different control strategies are applied to the grid-side NPC converter, in order to fulfil LVRT requirements, which are implemented with the predictive current control technique. Dc-link neutral point voltage is kept balanced by the predictive control algorithm, using the redundant switching states of the NPC converter. Simulation results confirm the validity of the proposed control approach.