Review on engineering and regulatory aspects associated with frequency control capabilities of wind power plants

Abstract

With the increasing grid penetration levels of wind power, there is an increasing need to study both the power control systems and the regulatory aspects associated with frequency control capabilities of wind power plants at various levels (turbine, wind farm and power system levels). This is especially very important in the United States with a goal of achieving 20% nation's electricity from wind energy by 2030. This paper provides observations and challenges identified with wind energy integration with respect to active power control strategies used in implementing frequency regulation at various levels. This paper also discusses the current and future aspects of market regulation of frequency responsive services offered by converter based variable generation technologies and the need for an appropriate utility market structure in order to provide settlements for these capabilities.