Mechanical Switching Pattern of Hybrid Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation in Wind Farm Power Plants

Abstract

Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation (DRC) plants are amongst the most expensive equipment on Wind Farm Power Stations (WFPS) which are essential for fulfilling Grid Codes requirements. Wind Turbine Generators (WTG), STATCOMs and SVCs are some of widespread solutions (technology) for this application. Hybrid DRC is an alternative solution which is gradually accepted by Transmission System (TS) operators and Grid Codes (GC) all around the world. Hybrid DRCs are usually combinations of power electronic devices like SVCs, STATCOMs, Inverters and some Mechanically Switched Reactors/Capacitors (MSR/MSC). Statistical understanding of the mechanical switching operation is critical to assess whether Hybrid DRC is a cost-effective solution. Conditions and numbers of operations for Circuit Breakers (CB) are limited and they need maintenance and replacement accordingly. This paper studies a real WFPS conditions and reviews mechanical switching statistics. It also reviews Hybrid DRC in comparison with conventional STATCOM. The studies outcomes give clear understanding of statistics together with advantages/disadvantages of one special case, then the high-level understanding in some ways can be generalized.