In the dynamic world of energy generation, wind power has emerged as a formidable force, but integrating it into existing power systems presents unique challenges. A recent study led by Chenhui Zhang from the Key Laboratory of Power System Intelligent Dispatch and Control of Ministry of Education at Shandong University in China, published in the *International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems*, offers a novel approach to enhance grid stability using wind turbine generators (WTGs).
The research introduces a delayed inertia control (DIC)-based coordinated frequency support framework that leverages the limited energy storage (LES) in the rotating mass of WTGs. This innovation aims to bolster system frequency following power disturbances, a critical aspect of grid stability. “The optimal timing for utilizing the LES in enhancing frequency nadir should lie between the inertia response and the full responses of primary frequency regulation (PFR) of synchronous generators (SGs),” explains Zhang. This timing is crucial for compensating for the energy deficiency caused by the time delay of PFR.
The study proposes a heuristic-based configuration method for DIC-based WTGs, evaluating the wind power loss per unit released LES and ranking the priority of WTGs in DIC. This method determines which WTGs should employ DIC in a fast and energy-efficient manner. Additionally, an adaptive frequency control strategy is introduced for DIC-based WTGs, establishing an explicit functional relationship between key DIC parameters and LES. This enables adaptive energy release to support frequency against fluctuating wind conditions.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As renewable energy sources like wind power continue to grow, ensuring grid stability becomes increasingly important. The proposed framework could enhance system frequency nadir, a critical metric for grid stability, while ensuring the safety of WTG rotor speeds. “Simulations on a modified IEEE 39-bus power system validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework,” Zhang notes, highlighting the practical applicability of the research.
This study could shape future developments in the field by providing a roadmap for integrating renewable energy sources more effectively into the grid. It offers a promising solution to one of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector: balancing the intermittency of renewable energy with the need for grid stability. As the world moves towards a more sustainable energy future, such innovations will be crucial in ensuring a reliable and stable power supply.