Utilizing a STATCOM to prevent the flicker propagation in a wind power system

This paper investigates how effective a STATCOM can be in the prevention of the propagation of flicker induced by the aerodynamic aspects of wind turbines of a wind power system. A small wind farm equipped with fixed speed wind turbines connected to a distribution system is studied by using a STATCOM to improve power quality. The aerodynamic and mechanical aspects of a wind turbine are simulated using TurbSim, AeroDyn, and FAST, and the electrical parts of the wind turbine, STATCOM, network, and flickermeter are modelled by Simulink blocks. Using a flickermeter model, the instantaneous flicker at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) is determined for the wind power system. Simulation results obtained from the model are used to observe the effects of yaw error and turbulence on the flicker level at PCC. The performance of the STATCOM is then evaluated based on these observations.