Design critera for electrical networks upon installation of wind power production

In this paper, a review of the design criteria presently used by Fortum Distribution, and most other utilities in Sweden, upon connecting medium sized (10-50 MW) wind power production park is presented. Among other things, compensation of reactive power, flicker and voltage variations on a local and system basis are considered. The wind power may also change the total load flow on the network which might lead to network reinforcements over a larger geographical area. For special cases system stability (mainly transient and voltage stability) should be considered. The paper also presents a method for economical dimensioning of cables connecting wind power park. Characteristic for wind parks is the low utilization level which suggest that different planning criteria should be used for these cables, i.e., as compared to hydro power station and conventional consumption loads. The current density in the cables can be allowed to be almost double that of what would be the case applying conventional planning method.