Today through Wind Volt-Amp-Reactive (“WindVAR”)
electronics, voltage is controlled and regulated in real-time. Similar
to conventional utility generator, WindVAR supplies reactive power to
the grid at the time its needed. in a fraction of a second , regulating
system voltage and stabilizing weak grids. With the ability to supply
reactive power to the grid Wind VAR opens the door to new opportunities
in areas where weak rural distribution systems had discouraged new wind
power applications. The addition of a wind project equipped with WindVAR
electronics can actually strengthen a weak grid. This system also has
the potential to provide emergency back-up support and support to weak
grids in need of transmission and distribution capital improvements. The
turbine’s power electronics also reduces the in rush current to about
75% of full load current during the wind turbine’s start-up, and
provides ride-through capability.
How It Works
WindVAR
system is provided through the same power electronics employed in
achieving variable speed operation. The variable speed technology which
reduces torque transients and increase the blades ability to capture
more of the kinetic energy available in the wind.
A voltage controller placed at the Point of
Interconnect measures utility line voltage, compares it to the desired
level, and computes the amount of reactive power needed to bring the
line voltage back to the specified range. To reach the desired voltage
level at the substation, the VAR Controller communicates the reactive
power requirement to each of the projects wind turbines via a
distributed control network. Individually each wind turbines power
processor excites the generator to produce the commanded power factor.
As the power factor changes, the measured line voltage moves toward the
desired voltage level, forming a closed loop voltage control system.
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