Enhancement of wind energy conversion systems active and reactive power control via flywheel energy storage systems integration

The penetration level of wind energy conversion systems is increasing steadily. The random and stochastic nature of wind energy may lead to serious problems onto the electrical system Stability, Controllability, and Power quality. Generally, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) can improve wind generation grid interconnection in terms of power quality, and System Controllability. Flywheel Energy Storage Systems (FESS) have long life span, and high number of charging and discharging cycles that make them a perfect companion to wind integration as compared to other energy storage technologies. In this paper, low speed PMSM based flywheel energy storage system is integrated with Direct-Drive (DD) variable speed PMSG based Wind Energy Conversion System. This integration is proposed in two schemes named as First Topology (Modified STATCOM), and Second Topology (ON DC LINK). Matlab / Simulink model is conducted for the both configurations. Simulation results will show effectiveness of the integrated system in Active Power Smoothing while maximizing the harvested wind power through Optimal Torque Control Maximum Power Point Tracking, and Dynamic VAR Compensation as well. A comparative study is performed between the two topologies to highlight the merits, demerits, and suitability of each one.