Voltage Control with Wind Farms: Current Practice with Type 4 WTG in Canada

Wind Farms (WFs) are growing in number and size in many markets worldwide and they are replacing more and more conventional power plants. This goes hand-in-hand with Power System Operators (PSOs) developing stricter grid connection requirements for WFs in order to ensure system stability and quality of supply. Nowadays, for instance, most WFs connected to transmission systems are required to be able to directly or indirectly control the voltage at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). This paper explains the theoretical voltage control performance and capabilities of WFs equipped with Full-Scale Power Converter Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs). Furthermore, some examples of requirements in three different jurisdictions in Canada are shown, Alberta, Ontario and Québec. Moreover, it is described how voltage control characteristics of WFs can be studied during the planning and design stage of a project. Finally, it is explained how on-site compliance testing and validation of dynamic models provide proof that grid code requirements are met.