Study Related to the Harmonic Distortion Propagation Provided by Wind Parks

Abstract

Wind parks are electric generation arrangements with non-linear characteristics. In fact, these complexes are potential sources of harmonic current injections into the electric power systems, since their operation are fundamentally dependent on power electronic based devices. In face of this reality, for the connection of new installations, access studies must be carried out by the proponent according to the regulatory agency guidelines. However, in Brazil, such documents are usually based on questionable assumptions regarding the harmonic current propagation and network premises as well. Considering these facts, the present work is aimed to evaluate the impacts caused by a background imbalance on the characteristic and non-characteristic harmonics arising from a wind power plant. Moreover, in this study attention is given to the influence of the frontier transformer model on the harmonic distortion propagation. The results will show the importance of taking these issues into account when conducting studies for new facility connections.