Harmonic distortion in transmission networks due to wind farm interconnection using IGBT frequency inverters

This paper presents an analysis of the harmonic distortion on the electric power system due to the connection of a large wind farm. The wind farm simulated use variable speed multipolar synchronous generators and their connection to the grid is made by an IGBT frequency inverter. These frequency inverters are modeled by using current sources. The simulation is performed in the time domain using the EMTP program. The current and voltage signals obtained at the wind farm point of common coupling (PCC) and the neighboring buses will be analyzed in order to calculate the total and individual harmonic distortion. The results will be showed by graphs and tables. The analysis of the voltage harmonic propagation into the bulk power system due to the connection of a new wind farm will show the possible need for harmonic distortion mitigation.