Performance Enhancement of Electrical Power Systems with High Penetration Level of Wind Energy Resources

Abstract

In recent years the limitations of fossil fuel resources and environmental pollution has created great tendency towards the use of renewable energy resources. However, the integration of high penetration levels of renewable energy resources along with the increased load demand and aging of the transmission network will push these networks to work closer to their operating limits. As a result, transmission congestion is a growing concern that could limit integration of new renewable energy projects. With large-scale wind power integration, the system operators need to exploit more flexibility in the planning and operation of the power system to maximize the utilization of existing transmission networks. This can be achieved by using cost-effective transmission technologies, thereby taking full advantage of the inherent flexibility of the system. In this thesis, we focus on implementing two different approaches that can lead to increasing the penetration level of wind power while managing possible congestions in the transmission network. Moreover, we propose using the Dynamic Line Ratings (DLRs) technology that could potentially increase the capacity of existing transmission networks and avoid unrealistic congestions.