Grid-Tied Wind Generators， a promising clean and renewable energy, requires grid connection to convert and deliver electricity. This article delves into the connection methods, technical characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks between wind turbines and the grid. It emphasizes the significance and complexity of this connection through relevant cases and data.
1. Overview of the connection methods between wind turbines and the grid
There are two main ways to connect wind turbines to the grid: direct connection and indirect connection.
1.1 Direct connection:
Direct connection refers to connecting the wind turbine directly to the grid, which is usually used for small wind turbines.
Small wind turbines usually use grid-connected inverters to convert DC power into AC power and run synchronously with the grid.
The direct connection method is simple and low-cost, but it needs to meet the voltage and frequency requirements of the grid and run synchronously with the grid.1.2 Indirect connection:
Indirect connection links wind turbines to the grid via a substation, commonly employed in large wind farms. A collection system gathers power from multiple turbines and elevates the voltage to grid level using a step-up transformer. This method concentrates power, enhances generation efficiency, and facilitates grid compliance.
2. Detailed analysis of wind turbine connection methods with the grid
2.1 Direct connection method:
2.1.1 Grid-connected inverter:
The grid-connected inverter is a key device for connecting wind turbines to the grid, converting DC power into AC power and running synchronously with the grid.
The grid-connected inverter needs to have the following functions:
Voltage control: Adjust the output voltage of the wind turbine to the grid voltage.
Frequency control: Adjust the output frequency of the wind turbine to the grid frequency.
Power control: Control the output power of the wind turbine to ensure synchronous operation with the grid.
Fault protection: When a fault occurs, the power supply of the wind turbine can be cut off in time to protect the safety of the grid.
2.1.2 Advantages and disadvantages of direct connection:
Advantages:
Simple structure and low cost
Applicable to small wind turbines
Easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages:
Can only connect to low-voltage power grid
Cannot collect power from multiple wind turbines
Higher requirements for power grid
2.2 Indirect connection:
2.2.1 Collection system:
The collection system is used to collect power from multiple wind turbines to the substation, usually using high-voltage cables or overhead lines.
The collection system needs to have the following functions:
Power transmission: Transmit the power generated by the wind turbine to the substation.
Fault isolation: When a fault occurs, the fault area can be isolated in time to protect the safety of the power grid.
Voltage control: Control the voltage of the collection system to ensure the stability of power transmission.
2.2.2 Step-up transformer:
The step-up transformer is used to increase the output voltage of the wind turbine to the voltage level of the power grid.
The step-up transformer needs to have the following functions:
Voltage increase: Convert low-voltage power to high-voltage power.
Power regulation: Control the output power of the step-up transformer to ensure synchronous operation with the power grid.
Fault protection: When a fault occurs, the power supply can be cut off in time to protect the safety of the power grid.
2.2.3 Advantages and disadvantages of indirect connection:
Advantages:
Can be connected to the high-voltage power grid
Can concentrate the power of multiple wind turbines
Improve power generation efficiency
Reduce the cost of grid connection
Disadvantages:
Complex structure and high cost
Requires the construction of substations
Installation and maintenance are difficult
3. Technical development trend of wind turbine and grid connection
Intelligence: Advancements in smart grid technology will make the connection between wind turbines and the grid more intelligent, enabling real-time monitoring, fault diagnosis, and automatic control to enhance efficiency and reliability.
Flexibility: Future wind farms will prioritize flexibility, adjusting power generation based on wind speed and grid load to improve grid stability.
Digitalization: The connection will become more digital, facilitating data collection, transmission, and analysis for wind power operation and management.
Integration: Wind farms will integrate with energy storage systems and power electronic equipment, enabling comprehensive energy utilization and management, enhancing efficiency, and maximizing economic benefits.
4. Case analysis of wind turbine connection methods to the grid
4.1 Connection methods of Chinese wind farms:
China’s wind power industry has developed rapidly, and the scale of wind farms has continued to expand, which has put forward higher requirements for grid connection methods.
China’s wind farms mainly use indirect connection methods to transmit electricity to the grid through substations.
In order to improve the efficiency and controllability of wind power generation, China is actively promoting smart grid technology, building flexible DC transmission lines, and realizing intelligent management and operation of wind power generation.
4.2 Connection methods of European offshore wind farms:
Europe’s offshore wind power industry has developed maturely, and the scale of offshore wind farms has continued to expand, which has put forward higher challenges to grid connection methods.
Europe’s offshore wind farms mainly use high-voltage direct current transmission technology to transmit electricity to the land grid.
High-voltage direct current transmission technology can effectively solve the connection problem between offshore wind farms and land grids and improve the efficiency and reliability of power transmission.
4.3 Connection methods of wind farms in the United States:
The United States has abundant wind energy resources, and the wind power industry is developing rapidly, which has unique requirements for grid connection methods.
Wind farms in the United States mainly use direct connection methods to connect wind turbines directly to low-voltage power grids.
Due to the complex structure of the US power grid, promoting wind power generation in the United States requires solving the problem of grid stability to ensure the reliable operation of wind power generation.
5. Challenges faced by wind turbines and grid connection
Grid stability: Intermittent wind power generation impacts grid stability, requiring measures to enhance control and ensure stable grid operation.
Power transmission distance: Wind farms, often located far from users, face long-distance power transmission, resulting in power loss and potential impact on economic benefits.
Grid access capacity: Limited grid access capacity necessitates careful planning of wind farm scales to avoid overloading the grid.
Safety and reliability: The connection between wind turbines and the grid must prioritize safety and reliability to prevent accidents, casualties, and property losses.
6. Measures to meet the challenges
Energy storage technology: Develop energy storage tech to address wind power’s intermittency and enhance generation stability.
Optimize grid structure: Improve grid structure, boost transmission capacity, and minimize power loss.
Smart grid technology: Utilize smart grid tech for intelligent management, enhancing efficiency and reliability of wind power generation.
Strengthen safety management: Implement stringent safety regulations, ensuring secure and reliable operation of wind turbine-grid connections.
7. Conclusion:
The wind turbine-grid connection is crucial for converting wind energy into electricity. Its future development trend includes intelligence, flexibility, digitalization, and integration. Advancements in wind power and grid technology will enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety of the connection, offering clean and sustainable energy for humanity.
learn more：Grid-Tied Wind Generators
