Impact of wind farms on electromagnetic transients in 132kV network, with particular reference to fault detection

Adaptive autoreclosure has been extensively researched as a protection methodology for overhead lines, with well-known advantages over conventional autoreclosure. However, the effect of modern wind farms, specifically power electronics, on existing adaptive autoreclosure methods is unknown. Using the DIgSILENT software, a small part of the UK Generic Distribution System network is constructed as a test system and connected to built-in DFIG and full converter wind farm models. EMT simulations are carried out whilst varying the parameters known to affect single phase-ground fault voltage signatures. The Discrete Wavelet Transform is subsequently applied to these waveforms. Results show that adaptive autoreclosing schemes may need particular attention when designed for DFIG connected lines, although the traditional approach of signal processing and AI is validated since the effect of fault parameters have far more significance than the generating technology concerned.