Impact of a wave farm on its local grid: Voltage limits, flicker level and power fluctuations

  • Anne Blavette
  • , Dara L. O'Sullivan
  • , Antony W. Lewis
  • , Michael G. Egan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Significant electrical power fluctuations in the range of seconds may be generated by most oscillating wave energy converters without significant amounts of energy storage capacity. Because of these fluctuations, a wave farm may have a negative impact on the power quality of the local grid to which it is connected. Hence, the impact of these devices on both distribution and transmission networks needs to be well understood, before large scale wave farms can be allowed to connect to the grid. This paper details a case study on the impact of a wave farm on the distribution grid around the national wave test site of Ireland with respect to voltage and power fluctuations, as well as regarding flicker levels. The electrical power output of the oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converters was derived from experimental time series produced in the context of the FP7 project CORES. The results presented in this paper are based on a typical time series. Simulations were performed using DIgSILENT simulation tool PowerFactory.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProgram Book - OCEANS 2012 MTS/IEEE Yeosu
Subtitle of host publicationThe Living Ocean and Coast - Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventOCEANS 2012 MTS/IEEE Yeosu Conference: The Living Ocean and Coast - Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities - Yeosu, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 21 May 201224 May 2012

Publication series

NameProgram Book - OCEANS 2012 MTS/IEEE Yeosu: The Living Ocean and Coast - Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities

Conference

ConferenceOCEANS 2012 MTS/IEEE Yeosu Conference: The Living Ocean and Coast - Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CityYeosu
Period21/05/1224/05/12

Keywords

  • dynamic simulations
  • grid impact
  • power quality
  • wave energy

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