Virtual Inertia Adaptive Control of a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) Wind Power System with Hydrogen Energy Storage

This paper presents a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind power system with hydrogen energy storage, with a focus on its virtual inertia adaptive control. Conventionally, a synchronous generator has a large inertia from its rotating rotor, and thus its kinetic energy can be used to damp out fluctuations from the grid. However, DFIGs do not provide such a mechanism as their rotor is disconnected with the power grid, owing to the use of back-to-back power converters between the two. In this paper, a hydrogen energy storage system is utilized to provide a virtual inertia so as to dampen the disturbances and support the grid’s stability. An analytical model is developed based on experimental data and test results show that: (1) the proposed method is effective in supporting the grid frequency; (2) the maximum power point tracking is achieved by implementing this proposed system; and, (3) the DFIG efficiency is improved. The developed system is technically viable and can be applied to medium and large wind power systems. The hydrogen energy storage is a clean and environmental-friendly technology, and can increase the renewable energy penetration in the power network.