Reactive power control of wind farms for voltage control applications

In the last few years, there is a strong trend towards decentralised production and supply, leading to a situation where a growing number of small and medium size producers will be connected to energy networks. But at the same time, the power quality of the generation must be ensured and this means that the electrical parameters of the distribution network have to be maintained within their upper and lower limits. Therefore, new problems related to the management and operation of energy transfer and distribution and to the efficient distribution of renewable energy in the grids are actually arising. Hence, it is reasonable to think that dispersed generation (wind energy generation in this paper) should start to take part in the control of electric variables, and in particular, in reactive power control which is directly related to the voltage level control of distribution networks. This paper presents a control strategy developed for the reactive power regulation of wind farms made up with double fed induction generators, in order to contribute to the voltage regulation of the electrical grid to which farms are connected.     

Wind farm non-linear control for damping electromechanical oscillations of power systems

This paper deals with the non-linear control of wind farms equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). Both active and reactive wind farm powers are employed in two non-linear control laws in order to increase the damping of the oscillation modes of a power system. The proposed strategy is derived from the Lyapunov Theory and is independent of the network topology. In this way, the strategy can be added to the central controller as another added control function. Finally, some simulations, showing the oscillation modes of a power system, are presented in order to support the theoretical considerations demonstrating the potential contributions of both control laws.     

Application of a control algorithm for wind speed prediction and active power generation

The main objective of the work described in this paper is to offer a new method of prediction of wind speeds, whilst aware that the method develops predictions in time-scales that can vary from a few minutes to an hour. This is needed because wind energy generation is increasing its participation in energy distribution and has to compete with other energy sources that are not so variable in terms of generated active power. It is important to consider that active power demand can vary quite rapidly and different sources of electricity generation must be available. In the case of wind energy, wind speed predictions are an important tool to help producers make the best decisions when selling the energy produced. These decisions are crucial in the electricity market, because of the economic benefits for producers and consequently their profitability, depends on them. The algorithm presented in this paper is based on an artificial neural network and two types of wind data have been used to test the algorithm. In the first, data was collected from a not very windy area; in the second data was collected from a real wind farm located in Navarre (North of Spain), and the values vary from very low to high speeds. Although the algorithm was not tested with typical wind speed values measured on offshore wind farm applications, it can be concluded from the first set of results presented in this paper that the algorithm is valid for estimating average speed values. Finally, a generic algorithm for the active power generation of a wind farm is presented.     

Aggregated dynamic model for wind farms with doubly fed induction generator wind turbines

As a result of increasing wind farms penetration in power systems, the wind farms begin to influence power system, and thus the modelling of wind farms has become an interesting research topic. Nowadays, doubly fed induction generator based on wind turbine is the most widely used technology for wind farms due to its main advantages such as high-energy efficiency and controllability, and improved power quality. When the impact of a wind farm on power systems is studied, the behavior of the wind farm at the point common coupling to grid can be represented by an equivalent model derived from the aggregation of wind turbines into an equivalent wind turbine, instead of the complete model including the modelling of all the wind turbines. In this paper, a new equivalent model of wind farms with doubly fed induction generator wind turbines is proposed to represent the collective response of the wind farm by one single equivalent wind turbine, even although the aggregated wind turbines operate receiving different incoming winds. The effectiveness of the equivalent model to represent the collective response of the wind farm is demonstrated by comparing the simulation results of equivalent and complete models both during normal operation and grid disturbances.     

Optimal reactive power allocation in an offshore wind farms with LCC-HVdc link connection

This paper addresses the optimal operation of an offshore wind farms (OWF), consisting of 120 wind turbines with doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) and a high voltage dc (HVdc) connection with the grid, using line commutated converters (LCC). For an optimal operation of the OWF, the distribution of the reactive power set points throughout the wind turbine generators must be optimal, in order to achieve minimum losses within the wind farm and the HVdc transmission system and therefore obtain the maximum production output. To accomplish this objective, an optimization formulation has been proposed which includes a complete model of the OWF and the LCC-HVdc, and the study of two different configurations. Simulation results show the advantages of using the reactive capability of the DFIG to achieve the optimal operation of the OWF.     

Study of a double fed induction generator using matrix converter: Case of wind energy conversion system

Due to the growing of the power electronics, especial attention has been given to the use of new generation of power converters, AC/AC matrix converter to which provide a direct power converter AC/AC, bi-directional power flow, almost sinusoidal input and output waveform. In this paper, we present the performance study of a variable-speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator fed by matrix converter using the maximum power point tracking method to extract the maximum power available. The whole system is presented in d-q-synchronous reference frame. The control scheme is tested and the performances are evaluated by simulation results. The simulation results obtained under MatLab/Simulink show the effectiveness and validity of the considered control.     

Investigation on wind power potential on Hong Kong islands—an analysis of wind power and wind turbine characteristics

This paper discusses the potential for electricity generation on Hong Kong islands through an analysis of the local weather data and typical wind turbine characteristics. An optimum wind speed, u_op, is proposed to choose an optimal type of wind turbine for different weather conditions. A simulation model has been established to describe the characteristics of a particular wind turbine. A case study investigation allows wind speed and wind power density to be obtained using different hub heights, and the annual power generated by the wind turbine to be simulated. The wind turbine's capacity factor, being the ratio of actual annual power generation to the rated annual power generation, is shown to be 0.353, with the capacity factor in October as high as 0.50. The simulation shows the potential for wind power generation on the islands surrounding Hong Kong.     

Centralised power control of wind farm with doubly fed induction generators

At the moment, the control ability of wind farms is a prime research concern for the grid integration of large wind farms, due to their required active role in the power system. This paper describes the on-going work of a research project, whose overall objective is to analyse and assess the possibilities for control of different wind farm concepts. The scope of this paper is the control of a wind farm made up exclusively of doubly fed induction generators. The paper addresses the design and implementation issues of such a controller and focuses on the ability of the wind farm control strategy to regulate the wind farm power production to the reference power ordered by the system operators. The presented wind farm control has a hierarchical structure with both a central control level and a local control level. The central wind farm control level controls the power production of the whole farm by sending out reference power signals to each individual wind turbine, while the local wind turbine control level ensures that the reference power signal send by the central control level is reached. The performance of the control strategy is assessed and discussed by means of simulations illustrated both at the wind farm level and at each individual wind turbine level.     

Synchronous mode operation of DFIG based wind turbines for improvement of power system inertia

Inertia emulation methods exist to compensate for the reduced inertial support provided by doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind turbines. Instead of emulating inertia, this paper proposes to temporarily convert DFIGs to synchronous generators, enabling supply of real inertia to the system. In order to achieve this, the voltage supplied to the DFIG rotor needs to be made independent of the grid frequency. Feeding the rotor with a fixed dc voltage while it is rotating at synchronous speed enables the DFIG to operate in synchronism with the grid and couple the inertia of its rotating mass to the power system. The rotor side converter of a DFIG can be controlled to function as the dc voltage source, allowing convenient switching between the two operation modes according to system requirements.     

Multi-machine transient modelling of wind farms: An essential approach to the study of fault conditions in the distribution network

This paper reports the study carried out to asses the dynamic behaviour of a real wind farm during fault conditions in the distribution network. The objective is to obtain a transient model valuable for all kinds of operational conditions. The paper begins with a detailed modelling of the distribution network between the wind farm common busbar and the point of common coupling with the HV transmission system, for all types of short-circuits. The state-space network model, together with the electromagnetic transient model of each wind generator, configure a multi-machine wind farm model, with 572 state variables. Simulation results prove that multi-machine modelling is mandatory in order to tackle the wind farm contribution to symmetric and asymmetric short-circuits.     

Coordinated control of TCPS and SMES for frequency regulation of interconnected restructured power systems with dynamic participation from DFIG based wind farm

Among the several wind generation technologies, variable-speed wind turbines utilizing doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) are gaining momentum in the power industry. Increased penetration of these wind turbine generators displaces conventional synchronous generators which results in erosion of system frequency. With this assertion, the paper analyzes the dynamic participation of DFIG for frequency control of an interconnected two-area power system in restructured competitive electricity market. Frequency control support function responding proportionally to frequency deviation is proposed to take out the kinetic energy of wind turbine for improving the frequency response of the system. Impacts of varying wind penetration in the system and varying active power support from DFIG on frequency control have been investigated. The presence of thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) in series with the tie-line and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) at the terminal of one area in conjunction with dynamic active power support from DFIG results in optimal transient performance for PoolCo transactions. Integral gains of AGC loop and parameters of TCPS and SMES are optimized through craziness-based particle swarm optimization (CRPSO) in order to have optimal transient responses of area frequencies, tie-line power deviation and DFIG parameters.     

Fault ride-through capability of DFIG wind turbines

This paper concentrates on the fault ride-through capability of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbines. The main attention in the paper is, therefore, drawn to the control of the DFIG wind turbine and of its power converter and to the ability to protect itself without disconnection during grid faults. The paper provides also an overview on the interaction between variable-speed DFIG wind turbines and the power system subjected to disturbances, such as short circuit faults. The dynamic model of DFIG wind turbine includes models for both mechanical components as well as for all electrical components, controllers and for the protection device of DFIG necessary during grid faults. The viewpoint of the paper is to carry out different simulations to provide insight and understanding of the grid fault impact on both DFIG wind turbines and on the power system itself. The dynamic behaviour of DFIG wind turbines during grid faults is simulated and assessed by using a transmission power system generic model developed and delivered by the Danish Transmission System Operator Energinet.dk in the power system simulation toolbox PowerFactory DIgSILENT. The data for the wind turbines are not linked to a specific manufacturer, but are representative for the turbine and generator type used in variable-speed DFIG wind turbines with pitch control.     

An assessment of governmental wind power programmes in Sweden—using a systems approach

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects, the cost efficiency, and the goal achievement of policy instruments aimed for the development and deployment of wind power in Sweden during the period 1975 to 2000. The paper presents an empirical example of a socio-technical system-based approach for impact assessment, in which changes in the wind power system are described and analysed with respect to technology development, cost development and actors’ involvement. The results show that the policy instruments were not designed to have a broad, system-oriented perspective but targeted and included restricted technology concepts—i.e. large, two-bladed turbines—and limited involvement of actors. The assessment shows that early inflexible steering of technology and market development, together with a lack of comprehensive, long-term strategy, lack of continuity in policy interventions and weak combinations of policy programmes and measures have contributed to a very limited wind power development in Sweden. A rough cost efficiency analysis reveals that Sweden has much less wind power installed in relation to expenditures on various support than Germany and Spain. The Swedish policy instruments did, however, achieve the Government's goals to increase wind energy production.     

Quantitative and qualitative behavior analysis of a DFIG wind energy conversion system by a wind gust and converter faults

A wind gust can cause severe dynamic conditions that affect the operational behavior of the whole doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) wind energy conversion system and, as a result, the quality of power exchanged with the grid. In addition, it can cause great disturbances to critical system's variables with possible damages to the system's construction—to mechanical or electrical part. The knowledge of DFIG reaction in such conditions is useful for both protection issues and the risk assessment concerning system's tolerance, maintenance costs and revenue losses, because of the disconnection from the grid. In this paper, a quantitative and qualitative behavior analysis of a 2 MW DFIG wind energy conversion system under a wind gust and converter faults, which has been carried out via simulation, is presented. The pitch controller parameters impact to its behavior, when a gust appears, has been investigated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An investigation on the impacts of regulatory interventions on wind power expansion in generation planning

Large integration of intermittent wind generation in power system has necessitated the inclusion of more innovative and sophisticated approaches in power system investment planning. This paper presents a novel framework on the basis of a combination of stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) algorithm and game theory to study the impacts of different regulatory interventions to promote wind power investment in generation expansion planning. In this study, regulatory policies include Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) incentive, quota and tradable green certificate. The intermittent nature and uncertainties of wind power generation will cause the investors encounter risk in their investment decisions. To overcome this problem, a novel model has been derived to study the regulatory impacts on wind generation expansion planning. In our approach, the probabilistic nature of wind generation is modeled. The model can calculate optimal investment strategies, in which the wind power uncertainty is included. This framework is implemented on a test system to illustrate the working of the proposed approach. The result shows that FITs are the most effective policy to encourage the rapid and sustained deployment of wind power. FITs can significantly reduce the risks of investing in renewable energy technologies and thus create conditions conducive to rapid market growth.     

A combined modeling approach for wind power feed-in and electricity spot prices

Wind power generation and its impacts on electricity prices has strongly increased in the EU. Therefore, appropriate mark-to-market evaluation of new investments in wind power and energy storage plants should consider the fluctuant generation of wind power and uncertain electricity prices, which are affected by wind power feed-in (WPF). To gain the input data for WPF and electricity prices, simulation models, such as econometric models, can serve as a data basis.This paper describes a combined modeling approach for the simulation of WPF series and electricity prices considering the impacts of WPF on prices based on an autoregressive approach. Thereby WPF series are firstly simulated for each hour of the year and integrated in the electricity price model to generate an hourly resolved price series for a year. The model results demonstrate that the WPF model delivers satisfying WPF series and that the extended electricity price model considering WPF leads to a significant improvement of the electricity price simulation compared to a model version without WPF effects. As the simulated series of WPF and electricity prices also contain the correlation between both series, market evaluation of wind power technologies can be accurately done based on these series.     

Modelling of a domestic wind power system including storage

A simulation analysis is presented of domestic heating by a wind power system including storage at a location 54°39′ N, 6°13′ W (Aldergrove, Northern Ireland). A simple theoretical model is constructed comprising a house of specified dimensions and heat loss characteristics, an aerogenerator and a thermal store. the data base used is a magnetic tape of hourly wind speed and air temperature readings taken at Aldergrove meteorological station during 1949–75. the results suggest a measure of optimization between store capacity and generator rating based on technical considerations alone, and a simple economic optimization is also presented.     

The effectiveness of China's wind power policy: An empirical analysis

Along with China's rapid industrialization and urbanization, challenges in reducing pollution and CO₂ emissions are increasing. One of the major approaches to coordinate economic growth and environmental protection is to substitute coal-fired power with renewable energy. Since 2003, in order to promote wind power development, China has put in place many support policies which fall into either price policy category or non-price policy category. By using a variable intercept and mixed regression model with provincial panel data during 2001–2013, we analyzed the impacts of both categories on the increase of installed capacity in areas with different wind resources. We found that price policy and two non-price policies had positive impacts on the increase of wind power installation, price policy played a greater role than non-price policy did in promoting wind power development, and price policy was more effective in areas with poor wind resources, whilst non- price policy was more effective in areas with rich wind resources. Built on these findings, conclusions and policy recommendations are provided at the end of the paper.     

PSCAD/EMTDC-based simulation of wind power generation system

This paper proposes a novel simulation method of wind power generation system (WPGS) using PSCAD/EMTDC. The pitch control-based rotation speed control scheme of turbine under variable wind speed is implemented. For the purpose of achieving effective and user-friendly simulation method for utility interactive (grid connected) WPGS, real weather condition-based WPGS simulation (RW–WPGS) is performed using PSCAD/EMTDC. It is not easy, in general, to consider the RW conditions in the WPGS simulation using the EMTP or PSPICE type of simulators. External parameters of the RW conditions, however, are necessary to improve the simulation accuracy.The components modeling of wind turbine system is also studied and the real weather conditions are introduced by the interface method of a non-linear external parameter of the PSCAD/EMTDC. The outcomes of the simulation demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed simulation scheme.     

Modelling of energy systems with a high percentage of CHP and wind power

This paper presents the energy system analysis model EnergyPLAN, which has been used to analyse the integration of large scale wind power into the national Danish electricity system. The main purpose of the EnergyPLAN model is to design suitable national energy planning strategies by analysing the consequences of different national energy investments. The model emphasises the analysis of different regulation strategies and different market economic optimisation strategies.At present wind power supply 15% of the Danish electricity demand and ca 50% is produced in CHP (combined heat and power production). The model has been used in the work of an expert group conducted by the Danish Energy Agency for the Danish Parliament. Results are included in the paper in terms of strategies, in order to manage the integration of CHP and wind power in the future Danish energy supply in which more than 40% of the supply is expected to come from wind power.