Integrating 2,000 MW of Wind Power into Canadian Electricity Networks Real Life Challenges and Solutions, Grid Integration Engineer, ENERCON Canada inc. October 4 th 2016, CANWEA, Montréal
Introduction Wind penetration in Canada Over 11 GWs of installed wind turbine generator (WTG) capacity and more coming Projects were installed in a wide range of conditions with unique challenges Very large transmission-connected projects Distribution projects of varying sizes Weak grid connections Grid-isolated projects in remote locations Electrical grids are changing quickly, it is important to learn and adapt accordingly 2
Understanding grid integration challenges Successful grid integration of wind projects Meeting the needs of system operators Stability maintain voltage and freq levels Reliability preventing outages Security of personnel and equipment WFs must actively participate to support the grid Grid requirements will differ widely System operator has different needs and operating strategies Different grid connection environment will provide very different challenges 3
Understanding grid integration challenges Grid integration challenges Primarily, the main challenges are to Provide active power / frequency control Provide reactive power / voltage control Tolerate and act adequately during grid disturbances (Fault Ride Through) These standard challenges were identified years ago and met with solutions from the industry 4
Understanding grid integration challenges Grid integration challenges Active power / Frequency control Power-frequency control Requested almost everywhere in Canada P Max P Actual Active power f n Frequency 5
Understanding grid integration challenges Grid integration challenges Active power / Frequency control Inertia Emulation Requested in QC, ON, SK 6
Understanding grid integration challenges Grid integration challenges Voltage control Voltage control Requested mostly for transmission-connected projects in Canada 7
Understanding grid integration challenges Grid integration challenges Reliability during disturbances Fault Ride Through Requested everywhere in Canada 8
Understanding grid integration challenges Grid integration challenges when problems occur Several factors could make grid integration challenging Grid connection point is weak Electrical interactions occur Unexpected grid conditions are found New events occur / meeting future requirements The consequences Depends on the severity but may include Delayed final acceptance Forced curtailment Disconnection of the wind farm 9
Recent grid integration challenges Weak grid Weak grids correspond to connection points with relatively high impedance This may result in: Rapid voltage variations Risk of reaching unstable operation Higher harmonic impedances Strength of the grid is relative to the size of the project (Short Circuit Ratio) The following could increase the risk Distribution networks End of long transmission lines Very large projects 10
Recent grid integration challenges Weak grid (Continued) Several weak grid projects were successfully installed Different solutions were developed Problems can be hard to identify: Knowledge of Short-Circuit power is not enough Grid conditions vary (contingency conditions) Unexpected grid disturbances may provide complications Good collaboration between system operators and manufacturers required 11
Recent grid integration challenges Subsynchronous interaction Interactions can occur with the electrical grid (Subsynchronous interaction < 60 Hz) Resonance conditions can arise from interaction between Controllers and passive grid elements Controllers and mechanical natural resonance frequencies This can lead to: High voltage variations Various equipment damages Disconnection of equipment 12
Recent grid integration challenges Subsynchronous interaction (Continued) Complex problem. Detailed transient simulations required to identify and mitigate the problem Conditions may increase risks: Presence of line compensation Type of generators connected to the grid Mitigation typically includes fine-tuning control software So far, current technology can meet this challenge Collaboration between system operators and manufacturers is important 13
Looking into the crystal ball What lies ahead of us The grid is quickly evolving (EV, storage, smart grid, distributed generation, etc) Challenges are becoming more complex, new ones will surface The developper, manufacturer or grid operator cannot do it alone More than ever, detailed models and grid information will need to be shared On a more positive side Wind turbine technologies continue to evolve New functionalities are being developed Utilities are increasingly looking at using wind farms for ancillary services 14
Looking into the crystal ball Examples of possible ancillary services Control reserve Improved frequency support functionalities Advanced voltage control capabilities 15
Conclusion What have we learned The industry has gone a long way towards meeting traditional grid integration challenges Challenges can generally be met with technology currently available The grid is changing quickly Problems are becoming more complex Several new grid support capabilities are available More than ever collaboration between different parties is required 16
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