Improving Power System Reliability using Distributed Wind Generation

Due to the increased dependence on the power grid, it is important to look for solutions that will relieve the grid from its increasing amount of stress. The reliability of the grid can be improved by adding distributed generation (DG) sources in various locations in it, which can potentially reduce the amount of power flowing in its transmission network, and partially supply that power locally through the various DG sources. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of adding wind powered DG sources at selected locations in the grid, and measure the effect of this addition on the overall grid reliability. Results show that, the addition of DG sources will improve the grid reliability, if the location of the DG sources was chosen properly. In addition, we show that constant power at the location of DG sources provides a better performance than variable power. A characteristic of wind generation, variable power can still provide a significant improvement in grid reliability.