Area Controller for Steady State Voltage Management in Large Scale Wind Farm

Abstract

The voltage control strategy in any generator is arguably the most important feature for grid integration. Grids with high penetration of variable renewable energy in non-traditional locations are susceptible to larger voltage variations that could lead to detrimental effects on the overall voltage profile of the network. In the Australian context, the voltage control strategy is bound by the National Electricity Rules, which apply to any generator seeking connection to the grid. The rules determine a set of parameters which can be negotiated during the connection process. For very large scale wind farms effectively composed of multiple smaller wind farms, an additional challenge is faced as the performance characteristics of the system are assessed at its connection point and interface with the Network Service Provider. The area controller described in this paper presents a novel method of managing the steady state conditions of a large scale wind farm (currently under construction in Australia) by adjusting the voltage setpoint of multiple local wind farm controllers performing fast voltage control.