Optimal voltage control settings for wind power

High penetrations of wind power on distribution networks are causing voltage rise on many networks. This voltage rise is limiting the permissible penetration levels of wind. Numerous active control schemes have been proposed to solve this issue, but widespread adoption of active management by network operators has yet to occur. Here, the fixed power factors of the generators' and the tap setting of the transmission transformer are optimally determined such that the voltage rise barrier is overcome and more wind can connect. The impact on the transmission system is becoming increasingly important and is also taken account of in the method. The method is tested on a sample section of radial distribution network illustrating that the optimal selection of voltage control settings can deliver some of the benefits of active management without any of the expense or perceived risk.