On the stability of power systems containing doubly fed induction generator-based generation

This article is concerned with the impact of large-scale wind farms utilising doubly fed induction generators on the stability of a general power system. Inspection of the eigenstructure of the power system provides a foundation for assessing the impact, which is then quantified by means of detailed numerical simulations. Simplified state-space models are used to describe the dynamics of the generators in a very simple system, whose network is described by algebraic relations. A third order model is derived for a doubly fed induction generator. Mathematical models are then used to identify the behavioural patterns of the system when it is subject to disturbances. Eigenvalue analysis reveals some interesting properties of the system for small disturbances, and shows that the addition to a power system of doubly fed generators, such as those in wind farms, improves the response of the system to small disturbances. However, numerical simulations show that it can have an adverse impact after larger disturbances. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.