Positive impact of wind farms distribution in the electric power system

Abstract

Installed capacity of wind farms is growing rapidly in the electric power systems. The Russian Federation has adopted a set of legislative measures to increase wind farms (WF) installed capacity. The research focuses on assessing the impact of wind farms in electric power system (EPS). In particular, the wind farms distribution impact over electric power system nodes is considered in comparison with single high-capacity wind farm (Eysk). Based on the calculations of the daily unevenness factor, installed capacity utilization rate and grid heterogeneity, following conclusions are obtained: the high-capacity wind farm has a higher daily power fluctuation amplitude, up to a nominal capacity of 3.4 GW; installed capacity utilization rate of wind farms system will always be lower when compared to a high-capacity wind farm located in the same location with the best wind energy potential; wind farms distribution across EPS nodes increase their rigidity (the ability to maintain the node voltage as the load changes) and, as a result, their reliability. The graphical illustration of the sensitivity of a 64 node 110-500 kV power grid demonstrates the increase in the number of rigid nodes.

Keywords

• power balance
• unevenness factor
• load curve
• power grid heterogeneity