Control strategy for regulating reactive power exchange in offshore wind farm

Offshore wind power is spreading rapidly, even in zones where exploitation was considered unprofitable so far. Connection of offshore wind farms to the transmission network presents some challenges that needs be addressed. This paper investigates the effectiveness of exploiting generator power factor control for reactive power exchange regulation. The technical and economical feasibility of this control strategy is assessed and compared with centralized voltage/reactive regulation control. Investigations are carried out on a 300-MW offshore wind farm.