Risk analysis of alternatives to N-1 reserves in a network with large amounts of wind power

This paper analyses the risks associated with applying smart grid technologies to allow more wind power production than is possible with classical network planning. The smart technologies studied include local supervision of network loading, special protection schemes, grid-wide supervision and dynamic rating of overhead lines. The methods have been studied through simulations on an existing 130-k V grid. It is shown that alternatives to the N-1 criterion are possible. Such alternatives allow for much more wind power to be connected, without endangering the reliability of supply for other network users.