Impact of remotely connected wind turbines on steady state operation of radial distribution networks

Remotely connected wind farms can have a significant impact on voltages, load demand and power losses in radial distribution networks. Quantification of these effects is important in determining the true value of wind energy and requires detailed simulations of integrated network behaviour over an extended period of time. The steady-state behaviour of commercial and residential radial distribution feeders with remotely connected wind turbines has been investigated using a recursive load flow-based simulation algorithm and time series data from a known system. The results of annual simulations reveal that large wind farm capacities can be freely operated in remote locations without violation of voltage limits and with a net reduction in feeder energy consumption. With automatic control of real and reactive power flows from the wind farm, the connected capacity can be significantly expanded before operation becomes infeasible