Impact of high wind generation penetration on frequency control

This paper investigates impacts of the wind energy integration on the system inertia and frequency response of a power system. The frequency response characteristics of different sized systems with different types of generation (hydro and thermal) as affected by increasing penetration of wind generation, are studied. Effects of increasing levels of wind penetration on frequency response capabilities are explored, including impacts of system inertia: type, amount, and allocation of reserve services. The paper also explains observed responses and suggests ways of improving frequency response characteristics at high levels of instantaneous wind energy penetration. Insight is provided into characteristics of a power system that are required for safe, secure and reliable operation from a frequency perspective.