Grid Integration Studies Enable Wind Generating Plants

19721212

Abstract:
; s0 d! T" k* @, n8 U  H8 j! BChina and many other countries are embracing wind as a source of clean renewable energy. However, the effectiveness and value of a wind power plant depends on the ability of the power grid to deliver energy from the wind plant to energy users. Grid integration studies performed prior to specification and purchase of wind generation equipment can effectively eliminate the risk of operation problems when the plant is placed in service. By thoroughly analyzing the characteristics of the power grid at the point of interconnection, it is possible to design the wind plant equipment (type of wind turbine generation technology, reactive power supply, automatic controls, etc . . .) to operate together with the power grid, over the full range of power output. This paper illustrates several types of operational problems commonly experienced by wind plants, and demonstrates grid integration study techniques to identify and mitigate those problems.