Using genetic algorithm to obtain optimal controllers for the DFIG converters to enhance power system operational security

It is proposed in this paper a methodology to obtain optimal controllers gains for the rotor-side converter of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) using a genetic algorithm approach. The main objective is to enhance the operational security and robustness of the power system, by a more effective contribution of the DFIG controllers to the system controllability. To reach this goal, the crow-bar protection scheme is activated during the fault period when severe voltage sags occur in order to maintain the rotor-side converter connected to the DFIG. Immediately after the fault is cleared the crow-bar protection scheme is deactivated and simultaneously the rotor-side converter optimal controllers are turned on which permits the improvement of the converter ride-through capability and also contribute to enhance the overall power system stability margin. To validate the optimal proposed methodology several simulation results were obtained using a real electrical network which are presented in the paper.