Fault characteristics analysis of DFIGWT in whole LVRT process considering control strategy switching between RSC and Crowbar

•We propose a analytical method for the DFIGWT’s fault current characteristics in Whole LVRT Process considering control strategy switching between RSC and Crowbar.•The fault process is divided into two stages, RSC control stage and crowbar activating stage.•The activation time of crowbar is obtained, especially the activation of crowbar due to over-voltage of DC bus.•The last value of stator and rotor flux linkages at the first stage are calculated and used as the initial value of the stator and rotor flux linkages at the second stage.•The research results are helpful to the construction of adequate relaying protection for the power grid with penetration of DFIGWTs.