SIMULATION AND EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STATCOM SYSTEM WITH A GRID-CONNECTED WIND POWER FARMS

Abstract

Voltage stability is a big issue to ensure continuous operation of grid-connected wind power farms. When there are transient problems or voltage fluctuations on the grid, wind power farms tend to be disconnected from the grid by action of turbine protection systems. This disconnection violates time staying connected to the grid which is specified in current grid codes. These voltage-related limitations can be resolved by using STATCOM system. This article builds a simulation model and evaluates the effectiveness of STATCOM system for a grid-connected wind power farm. The simulation results clearly show the effect of STATCOM system in improving voltage stability which helps wind power farms to remain in service throughout grid faults and transient events.