Grid Voltage Synchronization for Distributed Generation Systems under Grid Fault Conditions

The actual grid code requirements for the grid connection of distributed generation systems, mainly wind and PV systems, are becoming very demanding. The Transmission System Operators (TSOs) are especially concerned about the Low Voltage Ride Through requirements. Solutions based on the installation of STATCOMs and DVRs, as well as on advanced control functionalities for the existing power converters of distributed generation plants, have contributed to enhance their response under faulty and distorted scenarios and, hence, to fulfill these requirements. In order to achieve satisfactory results with such systems, it is necessary to count on accurate and fast grid voltage synchronization algorithms, which are able to work under unbalanced and distorted conditions. This paper analyzes the synchronization capability of three advanced synchronization systems: the Decoupled Double Synchronous Reference Frame- Phase-Locked Loop, the Dual Second Order Generalized Integrator- Phase-Locked Loop and the Three-Phase Enhanced Phase-Locked Loop, designed to work under such conditions. Although other systems based on frequency-locked loops have also been developed, PLLs have been chosen due to their link with dq0 controllers. In the following, the different algorithms will be presented and discretized and their performance, will be tested in an experimental setup controlled in order to evaluate their accuracy and implementation features.