Large penetration of wind and dispersed generation into Danish power grid

Abstract

The present Danish power grid is characterised by large penetration of wind power and local combined heat and power (CHP) units. Today, there are two large offshore wind farms commissioned in the Danish power grid. Construction of two more offshore wind farms (430 MW) with grid connection to the Danish transmission power grid will be by the year 2009. The Danish power grid is undergoing a change from a classical power network with few centralised large power plants into a power network with a significant amount of wind power and dispersed generation. Presently, there must be at least three large power plant units in operation in Western Denmark to control voltage and frequency and maintain security of the power system operation. The technology change to wind power and dispersed generation implies that power supply and control from the large power plants – and, consequently, also ancillary services such as, e.g. voltage and frequency control capability – have to be reduced in favour of dispersed generation and wind. Such a change constitutes a challenge with respect to maintaining security of the power system operation in different operational situations, and creates a need for new solutions with voltage and frequency control and compliance with planned power balance between the Danish power system and the neighbouring areas. This article focuses mainly on issues with regard to short-term voltage stability of the power grid.