Differential Protection for an Outgoing Transformer of Large-Scale Doubly Fed Induction Generator-Based Wind Farms

With the rapid development of wind energy, relay protection for large-scale wind farms has been attracting some researchers, due to the absence of standards. Based on the large-scale doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farms located in Gansu Province, China, this paper studies the differential protection for the outgoing power transformer of large-scale DFIG-based wind farms. According to the equivalent circuit of the power grid integrated with wind farms, the main frequency components of current and voltage during faults are identified mathematically and then verified by simulations. The results show that the frequencies of current and voltage at the terminals of outgoing transmission lines are inconsistent. Following the feature of frequency inconsistency, the adaptability of differential protection is analyzed, and it is found that differential protection for an outgoing transformer in large-scale wind farms may fail once ignoring the frequency inconsistency. Simulation studies demonstrate that inconsistent frequency characteristics will deteriorate the sensitivity and reliability of differential protection. Finally, several suggestions are provided for improving the performance of relay protections for large-scale DFIG-based wind farms. Energies 2014, 7 5567