Provision of primary control reserve by DFIG-based wind farms in compliance with ENTSO-E frequency grid codes

Capability of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy conversion systems in provision of primary control reserve is investigated in this paper. The recent European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) grid codes on requirements for generators with the focus on frequency regulation are considered in the study. Rotor-side converter (RSC) control of the DFIG is developed to provide positive or negative active power reserve when a sudden change in frequency occurs. The study shows that, DFIGs are not only capable of changing their active power outputs during frequency deviations but their rotor inertia can also contribute to the grid frequency stability via introducing a derivative frequency controller and rotor speed reference setting. Therefore, the role which the conventional synchronous generators play during a system disturbance, can be delegated to them. The developed method is verified on IEEE 39-bus system including 10 conventional power plants using PowerFactory DIgSILENT software.