Operational characteristics of non-firm wind generation in distribution networks

Distributed wind generation is growing on power systems across the world. It presents many well established technical issues in the distribution network, such as voltage rise, network reinforcement requirements or varying power output. Nonfirm generation, i.e. one to which curtailment can apply due to network infrastructure technical constraints, potentially holds certain benefits for distributed wind generation. This paper will demonstrate the operational characteristics of non-firm wind generation, without the need for network reinforcements. It also proposes an AC optimal power flow model used for evaluating the maximum capacity of wind generation and time series AC optimal power flow for time series calculation in order to determine the energy output that this type of allocation will make during the operation stage. Results show that a significant increase of energy output from non-firm wind generation connected to distribution networks can be achieved in comparison to the commonly used firm type of allocation.