Analysis of the Integration of Type C Wind Turbines in Distribution Networks

In Brazil, the growth of wind power generation has been considerable in recent years, with new wind farms being installed as close as possible to consumer centers. However, the impact of wind turbines connected to distribution networks still lacks detailed studies focusing on both the utility network and the independent producer system. Thus, this article aims to evaluate the operation of Type C wind turbines, operating with unit power factor and employing terminal voltage control, connected to a distribution network. The observed results have shown that Type C wind turbines can, in addition to improving the voltage level of a distribution network, also decrease the system active power losses to a certain extent. It was also verified that wind turbines operating with voltage control could assist the grid in the occurrence of contingencies, contributing to an uninterrupted operation of information technology equipment connected to the buses near the wind farm.