Evaluating Switching Overvoltage of a Wind Farm using Monte Carlo Technique & Fully Digital Parallel Simulators

Abstract

The  future  of  the  power  grid  lies  in  large scale  integration  of  distributed  generation  devices  with the  utility  system,  at  either  a  medium  or  low  voltage level.  These new  distributed  generation  technologies  can offer  benefits  and  opportunities  to  manufacturers  and utilities   in   need   of   supplementary   energy   sources. However,  a  large  increase  in  the  number  of  distributed generation   interconnections   may   potentially   cause   a number of technical concerns relating to the operation of the  system  in  question.  Because  existing  distribution networks   were   not   originally   designed   to   include complex  distributed  power-electronic  systems,  detailed testing  of  existing  and  future  protection  and  control devices  is  necessary.  The  growing  use  of  photovoltaic devices,    wind   turbines    and   other   complex   power electronic  systems  is  changing  the  nature  of  distribution systems.  The  performance  and  stresses  on  wind  farm components   will   therefore   depend   on   control   and protection system reaction. In fact, this new generation of intelligent grids is becoming as complex as sophisticated high-voltage  AC/DC  transmission  systems.  This  paper describes how the Monte Carlo simulation technique and parallel  simulators  can  be  used  to  evaluate  worst-case stresses for different fault and operating conditions.