Design of Optimal Real Time Emulators for Steam and Wind Turbines for Avoiding Risky Severe Conditions

Abstract

Modern energy infrastructures may face critical impacts on distributed generation and microgrids in presence of renewable and conventional energy sources. Fast restorations for these networks through proposing convenient proactive protection systems become mandatory for securing energy particularly after severe faults. This paper deals with presenting a descriptive modelling and comprehensive analysis of both steam and wind turbines using optimal real time emulators with unique testbench. Based on the dynamics of each turbine, both emulators are performed using 4kW, 180V, 1500r.p.m separately exited DC motor coupled to 2kW, 380V, 50Hz, 1500r.p.m three-phase synchronous generator. For real-time interface implementation, the mathematical models of steam and wind turbines are realized using LabVIEWTM software. The characterization and verification of both emulated steam and wind turbines are examined at different normal operating conditions in terms of steam valve position and wind speed, respectively. To regulate the current for both systems despite their diverse dynamics, a simple industrial proportional-integral (PI) controller is considered. Unlike other artificial intelligence-based controllers, the offline-controller gains are scheduled using genetic algorithm (GA) via MatlabTM software to ensure the due fast response to cope with unexpected faults. The experimental validity of both emulators is tested at the most severe abnormal operating conditions. The three-phase short circuit is considered at the generator terminals with different fault periods until reaching out-of-step conditions. From numerical analysis and experimental results, the characterization of both emulated steam and wind turbines explicitly mimics their real large-scale turbines in normal conditions. The emulators’ fast responses using the proposed GA-PI control approach are verified. Besides, the experimental dynamic behavior convergence and interoperability between the emulated and real systems for both steam and wind turbines are validated under severe conditions. The practical results confirm the fast-nature performance of the GA in avoid risky instability conditions.