Simulation of inrush currents in a wind power plant using ATP draw

The incresing participation of the wind generation in the energetic matrix brings new challenges to the electric power system. The system's reliability and stability must be sustained against the characteristcs inherent to this type of generation. The current paper presents a simulation in ATP Draw of a wind farm of 130 MVA of rated power which has 2 power transformers at the collector substation and 77 step-up transformers in each turbine output. The aspects of the inrush current at the wind farm energization were analysed, such as wave form and maximum rms value. It was verified that the common used topology in wind power plants brings, due to the large amount of transformers, a high inrush current at the conection point. This current shall be considered at the operation and protection of the farm.