Grid power quality with variable speed wind turbines

Abstract

Grid connection of renewable energy sources is essential if they are to be effectively exploited, but grid connection brings problems of voltage fluctuation and harmonic distortion. In the paper, appropriate modeling and simulation techniques are discussed for studying the voltage fluctuation and harmonic distortion in a network to which variable speed wind turbines are connected. Case studies on a distribution network show that the voltage fluctuation and harmonic problems can he minimized with the proposed power electronics interface and control system while the wind energy conversion system captures the maximum power from the wind as wind speed varies. The studies have also demonstrated the ability of the advanced converter to assist the system voltage regulation.