Wind energy and flicker: Which correlation?

The production of large amounts of energy from wind farms is acknowledged to cause problems in terms of both environmental impact (modification of the landscape, large surfaces engaged and possible interaction with avian fauna) and quality of the electrical energy produced (instability of the electric grid, flickers). This paper aims to present a research on the power quality associated with the introduction of wind generation into the Italian electric grid. Specifically, this paper focuses on voltage flicker analysis in transmission grids characterized by the presence of many wind generation. Wind energy conversion systems produce fluctuating output power, which may cause voltage fluctuations and flicker. An in-depth investigation, based on infield measurements data, of the correlation between power quality, in particular flicker, and renewable energy based on wind farm is presented and discussed.