Wind turbine effect on the voltage profile of distribution networks

The operation of wind turbine, in the distribution networks may affect the power quality offered to the consumers. One of the most important considera tions is the effect on the voltage profile, i.e. the induced slow voltage v ariations, which are the subject of this paper. Two alternative approaches are presented for their evaluation. The first. adopted by many utility guid es and recommendations, is deterministic, seeking to ensure that the voltag e deviations always remain within certain limits. The other recognises the statistical nature of the voltage variations and conforms to latest Europea n Norm, EN 50160. Rather than assessing the maximum deviations that can pos sibly appear, the probability distribution of the voltage is calculated and then the conformity to the standards is assessed. In applying the statisti cal method, either time series. or directly probability distributions can b e used. As a study case, the methods are applied to an existing MV distribu tion feeder, where significant wind power is installed. Measurement data ar e provided for the same feeder. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.