Influence of Wind Turbines on the Operating Modes of the Distribution Network

The paper aim was to study the normal functioning modes of consumers power supply by the distribution network, taking into account the electricity production using wind turbines, as well as to develop recommendations that allow optimizing power consumption modes. The goal was achieved by analyzing the initial information on the network section topology, the technical characteristics of linear and transformer equipment, as well as consumption and generation profiles. The most significant result of the paper was the determination of the fact that the connection of wind turbines according to the “install and forget” principle without prior justification of both connection place and wind turbine capacity often leads to significant change in the operating characteristics and additional technical losses of active power. In this case, the main part of the losses falls on power lines. The significance of the obtained results lies in the fact that the main problems, associated with the coordination of the operating modes of distributed generation facilities and load, were identified and possible technical solutions were proposed to improve the situation. Based on the obtained results it is possible to conclude that when connecting a wind turbine to a distribution network, it is necessary to take into account both the capacity and the installation location of the equipment, which significantly change the values of the operating parameters of electrical networks. It has been shown that use of energy storage devices, as well as the network reconstruction, can make it possible to minimize active power losses and carry out balance of regimes.