Use of STATCOM in wind farms with fixed-speed generators for grid code compliance

The increasing penetration of wind energy into power systems has pushed grid operators to set new requirements for this kind of generating plants in order to keep acceptable and reliable operation of the system. In addition to the low voltage ride through capability, wind farms are required to participate in voltage support, stability enhancement and power quality improvement. This paper presents a solution for wind farms with fixed-speed generators based on the use of STATCOM with braking resistor and additional series impedances, with an adequate control strategy. The focus is put on guaranteeing the grid code compliance when the wind farm faces an extensive series of grid disturbances.

► Grid codes impose new technical requirements to wind farms for the reliable operation of the system. ► This paper presents a solution for wind farms with fixed-speed generators. ► The solution is based on the use of STATCOM with braking resistor and additional series impedances. ► The grid code compliance is studied under an extensive series of grid disturbances.