Neural control for wave power plant during voltage dips

Nowadays, the use of renewable wave energy resources is increasingly being pursued as a supplement and an alternative to traditional energy resources. In this context, the present paper proposes a strategy based on a novel neural control by means of a doubly fed induction generator to improve the performance of the wave energy converter during voltage dips in the grid. A neural control strategy is employed to coordinate the active crowbar, the air valve control and the back to back control. For this purpose, the neural controller adapts the references according to the voltage reduction and pressure drop improving the controllability of the active and reactive power and the fault-ride-through capability during voltage sags. Simulation results are included so as to demonstrate the viability of the proposed control.

► Voltage dips are one of the most severe power quality disturbances.
► A neural control adapts the actuator signals to improve the active and reactive power.
► The wave energy plant achieves the uninterrupted operation during voltage dips.