An Assessment of Load Frequency Control Impacts Caused by Small Wind Turbines

A method is presented to analyze the effects small wind turbines' (WTs) output may have on the load frequency control process. A simulation model of a utility's automatic generation control (AGC) process is used with recorded real-time system load data modified by synthesized data characterizing the aggregate output of small WTs. A series of WT output scenarios are defined for various WT penetrations of the total system load. WT output scenarios, varying in frequency and magnitude, are combined with system load variations to test the effectiveness of present AGC control strategies. System performance change from the base case is assessed using area control error (ACE) values, time between zero crossings, inadvertent accumulation, and control pulses sent to regulating units.