Wind energy converters with FACTS Capabilities for optimized integration of wind power into transmission and distribution systems

In a lot of power systems renewable energies and especially wind power are main drivers for the actual restructuring of transmission and distribution systems. Enhanced power exchange capabilities over long distances will be one of the necessary transmission system characteristics in order to achieve a higher penetration level of wind power. Distribution systems change from pure load distribution to distributed ldquovirtualrdquo renewable power plants. Therefore wind power must also participate in maintaining the quality of supply, power system security and stability. Robust fault-ride-through performances, voltage control and the management of active and reactive power flows are typical tasks to be resolved. Today, wind energy converters not only offer power plant capabilities similar to conventional generators but may exceed their performance in various aspects. FACTS-like performances can be provided to power systems by ENERCON wind energy converters (WECs) due to their full scale inverter system. Field tested and validated performances of the latest ENERCON wind energy converters, associated data and models address most advanced grid codes. For normal and stressed system conditions ENERCON WECs with FACTS capabilities can provide STATCOM-like performances without the need for an external costly device. Flexible setting options allow the optimisation for the specific needs of transmission and distribution systems. Measurements in the field for the validation of wind energy converters and of models for dynamic studies have been carried out by ENERCON. These test results show a very good accuracy between simulations based on these models and field measurements carried out with a full scale wind energy converter. These FACTS capabilities can lead to a win-win-situation for the wind farm operator and the system operator to minimize the integration costs for wind power. Furthermore these FACTS Capabilities strongly support the further increase of wind power connected t- o the power systems and help to resolve questions and tasks for the optimized restructuring of power systems.