2011 International Conference on Recent Advancements in Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering
Analysis of Power Quality Problems in Grid
Connected Wind Power Plant
M.G.Sugirtha,M.E.,
Research Scholar(P.T),
Anna University of Technology Tirunelveli,
Tirunelveli,Tamilnadu,India.
mgsugirtha@gmail.com
Abstract— Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of
electricity in India and around the world. In spite of being
cheap, clean and abundant the continuous fluctuations in the
renewable energy causes significant power quality issues. This
paper presents a technical review of power quality problems
associated with grid connected wind power plant and describes
the Dynamic Voltage Restorer that injects voltage into the
system with a view to enhance the network power factor while
stabilizing the voltage and reducing the network losses. On the
basis of measurements and norms followed according to the
guidelines specified in IEC-61400 (International Electro-
technical Commission) standard, the performance of the wind
turbine and thereby power quality should be determined. Wind
turbines, especially of Induction type, can draw large amount of
reactive power from the grid. Insufficient supply of reactive
power from the grid to the wind generators may cause voltage
stability problems. To minimize reactive power exchange
between wind generators and grid, dynamic compensation of
reactive power can be employed by using DVR. This paper also
describes the analysis of Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) using
MATLAB/SIMULINK for the grid connected Wind Power
Plant.
Keywords- power quality,wind power, DVR.
I. INTRODUCTION
With the growth of environmental concerns, the
massive increase in the prices of fossil fuels, and the rapid
increase on the electric power demand, interest in renewable
energy sources is increasing. Renewable energy is an
abundant source of energy and is considered as an efficient
and economical source of energy in rural areas. Wind energy
is one of the top growing renewable energy technologies in
the world. Wind energy has proved to be a clean, abundant,
and completely renewable source of power. It is economical
to use in producing power in rural areas[1].
Wind energy system converts the available kinetic
energy in the wind into mechanical energy that can derive an
electrical generator. Wind Energy is one of the most
competitive renewable energy resources with a production
cost of $ 0.05-0.06per KWH. Wind power is intermittent due
to wind speed stochastic variation. In addition, the sites with
economic feasible wind speed are located in remote areas,
which may require substantial infrastructure improvement.
Mostly, wind powered generators are self excited
induction generators. The main characteristics of induction
978-1-4577-2149-6/11/$26.00 © 2011 IEEE
19
Dr. P.Latha,M.E.,Ph.D,
Associate Professor/Department of CSE,
Government College of Engineering,Tirunelveli
Tamilnadu,India
generators is the considerable reactive power absorb during
their normal operating conditions. This reactive power
problem may create dynamic voltage instability in the
system. There are two major types of wind generators, which
are widely used in wind farms. The first one is the squirrel
cage induction generator while the second is doubly fed
induction generator. In this, squirrel cage induction generator
is used due to the low cost, low maintenance rate and
possible utilization under wind gusting conditions.
The required reactive power of induction generator
can be supplied by the grid or self capacitor bank in parallel
with the generator stator terminals. The selected induction
generator model is the typical two-axis reference frame (d-q)
model. The loads on the power systems in India also
consume a significant reactive power, mainly due to
agricultural pumps. The resulting reactive power demand
causes losses in the transmission. In Tamil Nadu, the reactive
power consumption results in so poor a power factor, that it
reduces the capacity of the power stations.
Its reactive power consumption depends on active
power production. Conventionally, shunt capacitor banks are
connected at the generator terminals to compensate its
reactive power consumption . In some schemes, shunt
capacitor banks could be automatically switched on/off by
using feedback signal from generator reactive power[2]. The
capacitor switching is triggered through an algorithm if a
generator reactive power is outside an allowed dead-band for
a specified time period. Further on, continuous voltage
control and reactive power compensation at the point of the
WECS network connection is provided by using FACTS-
based device.
Dynamic Reactive Power Compensators are always
required to stabilize the voltage and to supply required
reactive power at wind generator interface bus under normal
operation, load disturbances and wind speed excursions.
FACTS devices can be very useful to simultaneously deliver
reactive power and support bus voltage at wind generator
interface.
II. GRID CONNECTED FIXED SPEED WIND TURBINE
The dynamic stability of induction generators
directly connected to a grid as shown in Fig 1 depends on the
 2011 International Conference on Recent Advancements in Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering
characteristic of the generator, the grid configuration and the
characteristic of the disturbance [3].
Wind farms with induction generators generate real power
and consume reactive power. The over speed of the induction
generator resulted from transient currents drawn by the
induction generator from the electrical power system can
exceed the stability limit resulting collapse of the system and
islanding operation. Voltage fluctuations during normal
operations can be mitigated and voltage instability during grid
faults can be prevented by using dynamic reactive
compensation.
Fig.1.Grid connected fixed speed wind turbine.
From the distribution grid point of view, reactive
power compensation is an important issue. Excessive reactive
current increases distribution losses, reduces system power
factor and causes large variations in bus voltages. Moreover,
power quality, voltage swells and sags issues as well as
harmonic propagation are other aspects that require attention
with dispersed wind energy interface and wind farm
installations.
Consequently, it is necessary to provide effective technical
solutions for both power quality and security aspects related to
electric grid integration with distributed wind farms and
dispersed wind energy schemes [4]. Fortunately, the new
emerging FACTS technologies can perform new stabilization
and control functions due to rapid power control provided by
fast switching devices and especially voltage source.
III. POWER QUALITY ISSUES
A. Grid side power quality issues:
Grid power quality problems that affect the WEG
(Wind Electric Generator) are mainly concerned with the
quality of voltage that is being supplied by the utility [5]. The
supply of “Good” quality voltage is utility responsibility.
Some of the parameters (attributes) of voltage are
• Voltage magnitude and its limits (the steady state &
short time voltage must be within specified limits)
• Frequency and its limits
• Voltage Unbalance and its limits (the unbalance on
the voltage must be within specifications)
• Voltage distortion & limits (the distortion/
harmonics on voltage must be within specified
limits)
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a) Voltage Variations: Voltage variation has implications
on both real and reactive power associated with wind farms.
A low voltage condition increases the current through the
generator, associated power equipment and the lines (for the
same power) there by increasing the losses. Low voltage also
affects the power factor as the capacitive VAR generated out
of the installed capacitor decrease (as square of) as voltage
decreases. Higher voltages apart from increasing the stress on
the insulation (leading to reduced life) increase the
magnetizing VAR requirement of the transformers. Most of
the steps up transformers (ranging from 315 KVA to 750
KVA) are operated near saturation and even a marginal
increase in voltage causes the magnetizing current to increase
drastically, there by affecting the power factor. The increase
in voltage is compounded by the fact that most systems
operate always at lowers than rated frequencies, thereby
increasing the flux (v/f) substantially. This phenomenon also
increases the no load losses in the transformers, thereby
reducing the net real power generated by the WEG. In
extreme cases transformer saturation can also lead to
generation of appreciable amount of current harmonics.
b) Frequency Variations: The variation in frequency
affects the power generation in a WEG to a large extent, by
affecting the aerodynamic efficiency. Frequency variations
lead to operational at non-optimal tip speed ratios and
reduced aerodynamic efficiencies. These leads to reduced
energy capture and power output of wind turbines. Another
impact of frequency variation is that at low frequencies the
VAR output of power factor correction capacitors reduces
thereby affecting the power factor. Also operation at low
frequencies increases the flux in transformer thus pushing
them near saturation and these results in increased VAR
consumption and increased losses (and reduced generation).
Though the ideal solution would be to control the grid
frequency through generation control, it is not in the control
of individual WEG operators. One possible solution is to
interface the individual WEG to grid using an asynchronous
link. By appropriate control logic the WEG side frequency is
kept constant even as the grid side frequency is varying.
c) Voltage transients: Large voltage transients could be
created due to switching of capacitors using mechanical
switches, which are provided as an integral part of WEG for
reactive power compensation. The magnitude (and frequency
of occurrences) of such transients are large, especially if back
to back switching is involved (as in the case of a capacitor
bank switching). These internally generated transients could
result in damage to sensitive electronic devices of the WEG
control system. Due to repeated exposure to voltage
transients the insulation system becomes weak leading to
premature failure. Apart from this other switching operations
also result in switching over voltages. Though direct
lightning strikes on the OH lines in a wind farm are rare, the
blades are very susceptible to lightning hits. This could cause
an induced over voltage in the electrical system associated
with the tower.
 2011 International Conference on Recent Advancements in Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering
d) Voltage unbalance: Voltage unbalance is caused due
to large unbalanced (e.g. single-phase) loads. The unbalance
in voltage causes negative sequence currents to flow in
Induction machines, causing overheating. Due to this
unbalanced voltage operation the life of the machine reduces
and the machine must be suitable de-rated for large
unbalance conditions. Voltage unbalance (zero sequence or
negative sequence) can also cause metering errors, leading to
higher or lower reading of both real and reactive power.
e) Voltage harmonics: The harmonic current drawn by
the WEG (during motoring – soft starting) could itself be a
problem, as these current harmonics would appear as voltage
harmonics, as the fault levels at WEG terminals are quite
low. Apart from this the system could itself have voltage
harmonics created by non-linear loads connected elsewhere.
Voltage harmonics cause over heating of transformer and
generators. These also cause an increase in currents through
shunt capacitors thus leading to failure of such capacitors.
Harmonics in addition to the fundamental current cause
additional losses in the cables, fuses and also the bus bars.
B. WEG side power quality issues:
WEG power quality problems that affect the WEG
are mainly concerned with the quality of current that is being
drawn / generated by the WEG’s [6]. The quality of current
that is drawn / injected into the grid is the responsibility of
the consumers (connected loads).
Some of the parameters (attributes) of current are,
• Magnitude and phase angle of the current drawn
from the supply (maximum KVA and power factor
limits)
• Nature of the current drawn from the supply (i.e.
limits on harmonics generated and variation in
steady state magnitude)
• Current unbalance and its limits (limits on
unbalanced loads and negative sequence currents)
• Some of the power quality aspects associated with
WEG operation, that affect the grid power quality
are as follows:
a) Reactive power consumption: Reactive power
consumption in a wind farm is mainly due to the use of
induction generators for energy conversion. The basic
principle of Induction generators is that they consume
reactive power (to set up the excitation / magnetic field) in
order to generate real power. The magnetizing currents drawn
by step up transformers also contribute to reactive power
consumption to some extent. Reactive power (vars) is
required to maintain the voltage to deliver active power
(watts) through transmission lines. Motor loads and other
loads require reactive power to convert the flow of electrons
into useful work. When there is not enough reactive power,
the voltage sags down and it is not possible to push the power
demanded by loads through the lines. This reactive power
consumption leads to increased Transmission and
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Distribution losses, poor voltage profile (and reduced voltage
stability margins) over loading of Transmission and
Distribution equipment and blocked capacity and over
loading and reduction in life of Transmission and
Distribution equipment.
b) Generation of current harmonics: Current
harmonics are generated due to soft starting of induction
generators during motoring mode. Due to the large generators
concentrated at small geographic locations and large series
impedance (low fault levels) associated with wind farms,
these current harmonics get reflected ad voltage harmonics.
This distorts the voltage on the line and affects all the
consumers connected to the line. Current harmonics also
causes over heating of transformers and capacitors and could
lead to premature failure of capacitors. The possibility of a
resonance / harmonic amplification also exists, with dangers
of catastrophic failures.
c)Injection of fluctuating power: Power (energy) in
wind by nature is not steady and is characterized by annual,
monthly, daily and hourly variations. This results in
generation and injection of a power (current) that is
fluctuating. This leads to operational problems, especially if
the grids are weak and the portions of such fluctuating
sources are more than certain limits (25%).
C.Power Quality Norms:
Various standards related to power quality and grid
connection of wind turbines are listed below:
• IEEE Standard 1159-1995 - IEEE Recommended Practice
for Monitoring Electric Power Quality.
• IEC 61400-21 - Measurement and assessment of power
quality characteristics of grid connected wind turbines.
• IEEE Standard 1453-2004 - IEEE Recommended Practice
for Measurement and
WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on POWER SYSTEMS Sudhir
Sharma and K.S. Sandhu ISSN: 1790-5060 217 Issue 4,
Volume 3, April 2008 Limits of Voltage Fluctuations and
Associated Light Flicker on AC Power Systems.
• IEEE Standard 1547-2003 - IEEE Standard for
Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power
Systems.
• IEC 61000-3-2 - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions.
According to IEC 61400-21, 10 minute average of voltage
fluctuations should be within ±5% of its nominal value. It
also suggests that the flicker emission from a single wind
turbine should be determined by measurements.
IV. DYNAMIC VOLTAGE RESTORER
Among the power quality problems (sags, swells,
harmonics…) reactive power uncompensation is the most
severe disturbances. In order to overcome these problems the
concept of custom power devices is introduced recently[7].
One of those devices is the Dynamic Voltage Restorer
 2011 International Conference on Recent Advancements in Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering
(DVR), which is the most efficient and effective modern
custom power device used in power distribution networks.
DVR is a recently proposed series connected solid state
device that injects voltage into the system in order to regulate
the load side voltage. It is normally installed in a distribution
system between the supply and the critical load feeder at the
point of common coupling (PCC). Other than reactive power
compensation, DVR can also add other features like: voltage
sags and swells compensation, line voltage harmonics
compensation, reduction of transients in voltage and fault
current limitations.
A.Operating modes of DVR:
The basic function of the DVR is to inject a dynamically
controlled voltage VDVR generated by a forced commutated
converter in series to the bus voltage by means of a booster
transformer[8]. The momentary amplitudes of the three
injected phase voltages are controlled such as to eliminate
any detrimental effects of a bus fault to the load voltage VL.
This means that any differential voltages caused by transient
disturbances in the ac feeder will be compensated by an
equivalent voltage generated by the converter and injected on
the medium voltage level through the booster transformer.
The DVR has three modes of operation which are: protection
mode, standby mode, injection/boost mode[9].
B.Realisation of Compensation Technique
Fig2.Test Network Layout
The simplified network shown in Fig.2. is used to
test the effect of the proposed scheme in improving the power
quality and providing the better reactive power compensation
of a small village load fed from a hybrid wind energy
conversion scheme connected to a weak grid. The system
feeds two linear loads, a non-linear load and a dynamic load.
Transformers are presented using the approximate model,
while the transmission line is presented using the short line
model as a series RL circuit.
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The stand-alone renewable green wind energy
system is connected to the local load bus over a radial
transmission line comprising the following main components,
• Gear box
• Step up and step down transformers
• Distribution power lines
• Induction generator
• Stabilization interface scheme and
stabilization controller
• The hybrid electric load.
The self excited squirrel-cage induction generator
used in the wind energy system is coupled with a grid
connected wind turbine and connected to a utility network
consisting of various types of hybrid loads, which consist of
about 40% linear load, 40% nonlinear load, and 20%
motorized load. Due to its low-cost and less maintenance the
squirrel cage induction generator is chosen as the main power
generator. The variation in wind speed and tides produces
significant power quality problems, especially in the presence
of non-linear and dynamic loads, even when connected to a
weak grid. Unstable voltage and low power factor in addition
to harmonics produced by the non-linear loads are the main
power quality issues in such systems.
C.DVR Layout:
In order to improve the power quality in the
distribution system that is interfaced with distributed
generation (DG), a novel PWM switched DVR driven by a
Tri-loop Dynamic Error Driven PI Controller is developed.
The proposed DVR scheme shown in fig. 3 is a combination
of series capacitor and shunt capacitor compensation with a
tuned arm power filter[10]. The series capacitor Csr is
connected in series with the distribution line conductors to
dynamically offset part of the feeder inductance. Such
reduction improves the power factor, causes an increase in
power flow and reduces the effective reactive power loss. In
the DVR scheme, two three phase shunt capacitor banks,
Csh1, and Csh2are connected in parallel with the series
capacitor terminals.
Fig.3. Layout of DVR
 2011 International Conference on Recent Advancements in Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering

milliseconds will be applied to the simulation of the

controller to accelerate the simulation speed. The digital
D. Tri-loop dynamic error driven controlled PWM:
simulation is carried out with and without the controlled
Vref (pu)

1
MPFC located at Transmission lines in order to show its
Continuous

powergui
performance in voltage stabilization, harmonic reduction, and
reactive power compensation. For the demo, the wind speed
1 |u| 0.8 (15m/s) is such that the wind turbine produces enough power
Slider
Gain
Abs Gain 4
to supply the load. Start simulation and observe voltages,
Scope 1
currents, powers, and asynchronous machine speed and
1 signal rms
PI Uref Pulses
system frequency on the scopes. From the simulation results,
Vf source
RMS3 0.4
Discrete
significant transients can be observed, when the system is
1 signal rms
Gain 5 PI Controller Discrete
PWM Generator Scope
suffering from the disturbances. The transients are
If source 1
dramatically mitigated by using DVR scheme with, since
RMS1
Transport
Delay
both the amplitude and duration of the oscillation has been
Fo=60Hz
reduced. Besides transient mitigation, the DVR is also
signal rms 0.5

Gain
powerful for power factor correction and regulating voltage
2nd-Order
Filter
RMS2 profile along the feeder, since reasonable amount of reactive
power can be injected into the grid according to its demand.
Fig.4. The Tri-loop dynamic error driven controlled PWM layout.
It can be observed that all power factors along the feeder are
The tri-loop dynamic error-driven PI controller, improved above 0.85 and unit power factors are even
shown in Fig.4. Uses a global error e, which is the summation achieved. From Fig. it can be noticed that the largest voltage
of the three basic loops for the voltage, the current, and the drop is reduced in case of with DVR, while the largest
current harmonic ripple with different assigned loop voltage drop in case of without DVR.
weights[11].
The total error signal (et) of the three basic loops is
fed to the PI controller whose proportional and integral gains
are 1 and 10, respectively. The output signal of the PI
controller is assigned as the reference voltage of the Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM) and it is compared with a fixed
carrier signal to produce two complementary pulses are given
below.RMS voltage loop gain (γv) 0.8, RMS current loop
gain (γi) 0.4,Harmonics loop gain (γh) 0.5.

Fig7. Voltage and Speed of wind power system with DVR

V. CONCLUSION

Fig.5. Pulses generated By the Tri-loop dynamic error driven Wind energy has the ability to provide cheap and
controlled PWM
clean electric power in rural areas. Wind energy is one of the
fastest growing renewable energy technologies in the world.
E.Simulation and Results The variation of output power with the variation of wind can
cause significant power quality issues, even in a network that
The novel FACTS based schemes for distribution is connected to a weak grid, with dynamic and nonlinear
networks with distributed/dispersed renewable wind energy loads. It is found that, when the DVR is connected to the
with and without connecting DVR are digitally simulated wind system introduced a significant enhancement to the
under MATLAB/SIMULINK software environment. The network power factor while stabilizing the voltage and
built-in functional blocks in SIM-POWER toolbox facilitate decreasing the supply current, and the losses in the
the simulation of large and complicated power system. distribution feeders.
Discrete simulation mode with a sample time of 0.1

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 2011 International Conference on Recent Advancements in Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering

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