Interfacing Small Wind Systems to Rural Power Distribution Systems

The majority of current wind energy conversion systems (WECS) are designed for interconnection to the electric utility grid. Although this type of application performs satisfactorily in most instances when only a few WECS are connected to the electrical distribution system, several problems seem to be of concern as WECS use becomes widespread. For interconnected WECS a number of concepts related to WECS performance and economics must be considered so that safe operation, maximum utilization of WECS energy, and avoidance of interference to normal utility operation may be achieved. Methods and factors that must be considered for interfacing wind turbines to electric utilities are presented in relation to application and performance.