Evaluation and mitigation of voltage flicker caused by constant speed wind turbines

Wind energy conversion systems could produce more power fluctuations than other sources of generation, and, hence, voltage fluctuation is highly expected with wind power plants. This paper addresses the problem of voltage fluctuation caused by constant speed wind turbines that are based on induction generators. Comprehensive wind speed and wind turbine models are used. A flickermeter model is implemented according to the guidelines provided in IEC 61000-4-15 to evaluate the severity of voltage fluctuation emission. The effects of grid short circuit MVA and grid impedance angle on flicker emission have been inspected. The influence of site mean wind speed on voltage fluctuation is also examined. The mitigation of voltage flicker is performed using static synchronous compensator (STATCOM). Simulation results address the conditions that can increase the flicker mitigation capability of the STATCOM.