Flicker assessment of grid connected DFIG for wind energy conversion systems

As a result of increasing demand of electricity, one way of generating renewable energy sources is from wind turbines. The places across the world where velocity of wind is conducive for power generation, the wind turbines influence the behavior of power system. In this paper, a wind turbine connected with DFIG for Wind Energy Conversion using sherbius drive with vector control is modeled, in the power system simulation tool, PSCAD/EMTDC and outputs are simulated to investigate the presence of flicker at the point of common coupling. The impact of wind speed variation on the voltage & current waveforms is investigated so as to assess the Power Quality. The vector control method is implemented to ensure decoupled control of active and reactive powers while ensuring the maximum energy capture from the wind. It is concluded that wind speed variation results in predominant flicker during transient period, however the DFIG model is capable of suppressing the same. Efforts can still be made to mitigate the flicker by flicker control scheme so as to improve the Power Quality of associated Networks in National Endeavour.