Wind farm based on DFIG entirely interfaced with 14-node distribution network: power control and voltage regulation

Abstract: High penetration of wind energy into the network may introduce stability and power quality problems due to the fluctuating nature of the wind and the increasing complexity of the power system. This paper describes a novel approach to voltage and power control of a radial electrical distribution network, using a wind farm. The wind farm consists of seven 75 kW induction generators (DFIG) supplying two AC/DC converters. The feed structure of the DFIG allows operating the system conversion in a wide range of speed variations. That is why it is a recommended solution, due to its capacity to increase the generator power to twice its nominal power; consequently, the system’s size and cost are reduced. Another advantage is that the system is decoupled with an electrical network, so the disturbances do not affect the DFIG and this also avoids the problems of coupling the machine to the power grid. Through a 14-node distribution network, this study proves that the method is feasible. A simulation work was carried out with the software MATLAB/Simulink. The results obtained prove that this control is suitable for regulating the desired power flows in a power network and providing the best voltage profile in the system, as well as minimizing the system transmission losses when inserting the wind farm into the electrical network.