Impact of wind turbine penetration on the dynamic performance of interconnected power systems

The complexity of power systems has increased in recent years due to the operation of existing transmission lines closer to their limits using flexible AC transmission system devices (FACTS), and also due to the increased penetration of new types of generators that have more intermittent characteristics and lower inertial response, such as wind generators. This changing nature of power systems has considerable effect on its dynamic behaviour resulting in power swings, dynamic interactions between different power system devices and less synchronized coupling. This paper analyses this changing nature of power systems and their dynamic behaviours to identify critical issues that limit the large-scale integration of wind generators and FACTS devices. The studies in this paper are conducted on the New England and New York power system model. Modal analysis, PV analysis, eigenvalue tracking and dynamic simulations are used to investigate the dynamic behaviour of a complex power system under both small and large disturbances. From the analyses, it can be concluded that the modes related to operating slip and shaft stiffness are critical as they may limit the large-scale integration of wind generation.