Technical Challenges in Connecting Wind Energy Converter to the Grid

Abstract

Most developing nations of the world are looking towards renewable energy sources as a sustainable option. Among all the energy sources, the one that is matured to the level of connecting it to the grid (either distribution or transmission) is wind energy. As wind energy is increasingly integrated into power systems in some countries of the world, the stability of already existing power systems is becoming a concern and of utmost importance to the power system engineers and operators. This is because the connection of wind generators to the existing grid poses new challenges which have a significant impact on the system and equipment operations in terms of steady state, dynamic operation, reliability, power quality, stability and safety for both the utility and customers. These challenges are due to the fluctuating nature of the wind and the type of wind generator used. In order to supply quality voltage, SVC and STATCOM can be used to control the reactive power at the point of common coupling. Also the use of variable speed wind turbine generator can help in lowering the flicker level. This paper therefore gives the overview of the causes of these challenges, its effect on the existing power system and possible ways of improving the challenges.