Frequency regulation capabilities in wind power plant

The design of frequency regulation services plays a vital role in automation and eventually reliable operation of power system at a satisfactory and stable level. Frequency response capability offered by wind plant is not same as the primary control capability of conventional plants, hence the integration of wind energy based generation at large scale has widespread impacts on power system stability and reliability. With the changing generation mix, modern electric power systems are facing a critical challenge in the real‐time balancing of demand and supply. This paper comprehensively reviews the various control functionalities available in wind energy systems for supporting frequency regulation at different levels of frequency control services starting from inertial control to the secondary control. An insight to new research challenges for better frequency control ancillary services in wind integrated system is also provided. Though wind-based ancillary services are still in research and development stage in most of the countries, future wind energy system participation is expected to contribute to enhanced market efficiency, improved system reliability and macro economic benefits to all stakeholders.