Understanding grid integration issues at wind farms and solutions using voltage source converter FACTS technology

Typically wind farms are located in remote areas, driven by wind and weather patterns with little analysis given to the existing transmission network in a given location. These locations tend to be weaker portions of the grid, which means they are also much more sensitive to fluctuations in reactive power demand. Driven by ever-increasing profit and margin pressures, wind developers quite often utilize low cost induction machines for their wind generators. The problem is that these machines tend to drain large amounts of VARs from the grid, potentially causing low voltage and/or voltage stability problems for the transmission owner. In addition, today's wind generators are sensitive to voltage transients and frequently trip off line due to these events. This paper examines the use VSC technology to address these issues.