Grid Integration of Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Abstract

The market of renewable energy sources is increasing day by day due to the global energy crisis and the environmental pollution factors affecting the globe. Out of the renewable sources, wind energy has shown a substantial increase in contributing for the production of electricity. Around 60 GW of wind power installed capacity was added in 2019 with a total global figure reaching 651 GW, worldwide. Wind energy conversion system (WECS), as the name suggests, taps the on-site wind mechanics to convert wind energy into mechanical power of rotation. Mechanical power of wind turbines is then converted into electrical energy through genera-tors. Present chapter deals with technological aspects of design and operation for grid-integrated WECSs. Basic principle underlying the working of a wind energy power system is outlined. Primary elements and components involved in construction of a generic wind energy power plant are introduced. Integrating intermittent renewable energy power plants like WECSs require power electronic converters which act as an interface between wind turbine generators and the main power grid. Electrical properties of wind generators dictate the performance of a grid-integrated WECS, and thus, the operational aspects of power quality, reliability and stability become underlying objectives for design of power electronic interfacing converters. Operational aspects in terms of active and reactive power management have been outlined. Issues of power fluctuations, flicker and harmonics with necessary concern to transmission line grid codes are analysed. Techno-economic feasibility analysis for linking the wind turbine generators to the grid reported in the literature have been discussed in detail.