Optimizing Wind Generator Performance for Droop Control

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background and Summary of the Project
3. The Wind Farm Location
4. The Challenges of Nova Scotia's Grid
5. Testing Ancillary Services
   • 5.1 Fast Frequency Response
   • 5.2 Power Frequency Response
   • 5.3 Automatic Generation Control
   • 5.4 Future Work
6. The Droop Frequency Response
7. Testing Methodology
8. Results and Analysis
   • 8.1 Average Error
   • 8.2 Challenges Faced in the Field
9. Benefits of Gathering Empirical Data
10. Conclusion
11. Acknowledgments

Evaluating the Performance of a Wind Generator in Providing Group Control During Grid Frequency Increases

Wind energy is becoming increasingly popular as a source of renewable energy. However, in order to integrate wind generators into the grid effectively, it is crucial to evaluate their performance under various conditions. In this article, we will discuss a study conducted at the Wind Energy Institute of Canada in Prince Edward Island. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of a wind generator in providing group control during grid frequency increases.

1. Introduction

The introduction will provide a brief overview of the importance of wind energy and the need to assess the performance of wind generators. It will also introduce the main objective of the study, which is to evaluate group control during grid frequency increases.

2. Background and Summary of the Project

This section will provide a background on wind farms and their role in renewable energy production. It will also summarize the project conducted at the Nutbe Mountain Wind Farm in Nova Scotia, Canada. The section will cover the location of the wind farm, its operation since 2010, and its connection to the provincial transmission network.

3. The Wind Farm Location

In this section, we will discuss the location of the Nutbe Mountain Wind Farm in Nova Scotia. We will provide a map of the province and highlight the wind farm's location. Additionally, we will explain the significance of the wind farm's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

4. The Challenges of Nova Scotia's Grid

Nova Scotia, like many other regions, faces challenges in integrating wind energy into its grid. In this section, we will discuss the province's increasing share of renewable energy and the need for reliable solutions during periods of light load. We will also explore the reliance on thermal generators and the potential for wind generators to provide ancillary services.

5. Testing Ancillary Services

This section will focus on the three ancillary services tested on the wind farm: fast frequency response, power frequency response, and automatic generation control. Each service will be described in detail, highlighting its importance in maintaining grid stability.

• 5.1 Fast Frequency Response
• 5.2 Power Frequency Response
• 5.3 Automatic Generation Control
• 5.4 Future Work

6. The Droop Frequency Response

The droop frequency response, sometimes referred to as power frequency response, will be explained in this section. We will discuss its similarity to droop speed control in synchronous machines and how it affects wind generators' active power output in response to grid frequency changes.

7. Testing Methodology

This section will outline the testing methodology used in the study. It will explain how a frequency signal was injected into the wind turbine's control system to initiate a power curtailment response. Details regarding data gathering and power level variations will also be discussed.

8. Results and Analysis

In this section, we will present the results obtained from the testing. We will analyze the data gathered and calculate the average error between the expected response and the measured response. Challenges faced during data collection will also be addressed.

• 8.1 Average Error
• 8.2 Challenges Faced in the Field

9. Benefits of Gathering Empirical Data

This section will highlight the advantages of gathering empirical data instead of relying solely on simulations. It will emphasize the replicability of the results and the ability to assess wind turbine performance based on real-world conditions.

10. Conclusion

The conclusion will summarize the findings of the study and their implications for wind generator performance during grid frequency increases. The potential contribution of wind generators to grid stability will be discussed, as well as the upcoming publication of the study's data and further analysis.

11. Acknowledgments

The acknowledgments section will express gratitude to the project partners, including Natural Resources Canada, Enercon, and Nova Scotia Power, for their funding, equipment, and cooperation throughout the study.

Highlights

• Evaluating the performance of a wind generator in providing group control during grid frequency increases
• Study conducted at the Wind Energy Institute of Canada in Prince Edward Island
• Testing of three ancillary services on a wind farm: fast frequency response, power frequency response, and automatic generation control
• Analysis of empirical data gathered from a single wind turbine's response to frequency increases
• Average error calculated to assess the accuracy of the wind generator's response
• Importance of gathering empirical data for realistic evaluation of wind generator performance
• Potential contribution of wind generators to grid stability and the need for further analysis and publication of data

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a wind generator in providing group control during grid frequency increases. It aims to assess the ability of wind generators to contribute to grid stability through the testing of ancillary services.

Q: What ancillary services were tested on the wind farm? A: Three ancillary services were tested: fast frequency response, power frequency response, and automatic generation control. Each service plays a crucial role in maintaining grid stability.

Q: How was the wind turbine's response to frequency increases tested? A: The response to frequency increases was tested by injecting a 100-second long over-frequency signal into the wind turbine's control system. The power curtailment response was then observed and analyzed.

Q: What were the challenges faced during the study? A: The study faced challenges in coordinating and planning fieldwork, as well as gathering data with specialized equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused significant delays and restrictions.

Q: What are the potential benefits of gathering empirical data? A: Gathering empirical data allows for a realistic evaluation of wind generator performance. It provides more accurate and replicable results compared to simulations, which often rely on assumptions.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings? A: The study's findings suggest that wind farms can curtail their active power output in response to grid frequency increases. This can contribute to grid stability and allow time for other control measures to activate.