Wind farms are playing an increasingly important role in electricity generation worldwide. As their significance grows, it becomes necessary to ensure the stability and reliability of their operation within the electrical power system. One of the key aspects is the ability of wind farms to participate in secondary frequency control.
Secondary Frequency Control
Secondary frequency control is a process in which generators adjust their output to maintain the frequency in the electrical power system at a specified level. It is a crucial element for ensuring the stability of the grid and the quality of the electricity supplied.
Wind Farm Performance Tests
For wind farms to participate in secondary frequency control, they must meet certain technical requirements and undergo a series of tests. These tests aim to verify the ability of wind farms to:
- Respond quickly to frequency changes
- Maintain a specified power within a certain frequency range
- Smoothly regulate power up and down
- Operate stably under frequency disturbances
Example Tests
Example tests that may be conducted on wind farms include:
- Regulation capability test – checking the range of active power regulation of the wind farm
- Regulation speed test – assessing the response time of the farm to frequency changes
- Regulation stability test – analyzing the stability of the farm’s operation under frequency disturbances
- Voltage change resistance test – checking the farm’s ability to operate under voltage fluctuations
Summary
Wind farm performance tests in secondary frequency control are a key element in ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical power system. These tests enable wind farms to become full participants in the ancillary services market, contributing to increased security of electricity supply.
