Grid Impact of Voltage Control and Reactive Power Support by Wind Turbines Equipped With Direct-Drive Synchronous Machines

This paper proposes voltage control and reactive power support with direct-drive synchronous machines in wind turbines during normal operation and transient events. The wind turbines are equipped with voltage and reactive power control for normal operation and undervoltage ride-through modes for voltage dips. The wind turbine contributions are evaluated both for theoretical test cases as well as for two specific locations in the Belgian grid. Simulations reveal that the preferred mode for voltage support during a voltage dip depends on the grid characteristics short-circuit power and X - R ratio. Additionally, the angle stability of both induction motor load and nearby synchronous generators can be improved by adding reactive power support by the wind turbines. From the Belgian case study, it is concluded that voltage control by wind power plants is preferred, especially in remote areas where the additional control becomes necessary to maintain operation in between voltage limits. In case of voltage dips, a coordinated control of wind power plants in the area lowers the voltage reduction.