Control of a DSTATCOM coupled with a flywheel energy storage system to improve the power quality of a wind power system

Abstract

Wind power generation is considered the most economic viable alternative within the portfolio of renewable energy resources. Among its main advantages are the large number of potential sites for plant installation and a rapidly evolving technology. However, the lack of controllability over the wind and the type of generation system used cause problems to the electric systems. Among such problems are those produced by wind power short-term fluctuations, e.g., in the power quality and in the dynamics of the system (Slootweg & Kling, 2003; Ackermann, 2005; Suvire & Mercado, 2008; Chen & Spooner, 2001; Mohod & Aware; 2008; Smith et al., 2007). In addition, the reduced cost of power electronic devices as well as the breakthrough of new technologies in the field of electric energy storage makes it possible to incorporate this storage with electronic control into power systems (Brad & McDowall, 2005; Carrasco, 2006; Barton & Infield, 2004; Hebner et al., 2002). These devices allow a dynamic control to be made of both voltage and flows of active and reactive power. Therefore, they offer a great potential in their use to mitigate problems introduced by wind generation. Based on the results obtained by analyzing different selection criteria, a Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) coupled with a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) has been proposed as the most appropriate system for contributing to the smoothing of wind power short-term fluctuations (Suvire & Mercado, 2007).