Will-o-the-wind

Timlynn Babitsky | Inconsistent Power,Issues: Strategies & Tactics,Power Grid Problems | Sunday, April 6th, 2008

by Timlynn Babitsky
Resistance can come from many directions. The will of inconsistent wind as it affects power grid reliability is a tough argument against wind power. No one wants their power to falter in the middle of a crucial operation, a major data download, or one’s favorite television show. Wind is not a constant nor a guaranteed source of electric power, fossil fuel sources are. Yes, power grid reliability is a challenge, but is it a wind stopper?

If you meet this argument you are not without counter argument data. As interest in wind-generated electricity increases, electric utilities must grapple with the challenge of connecting wind energy to the power grid while maintaining system reliability. Wind is a renewable, cost-free, utility scale resource, but its interconnection with transmission grids is unique.

Some countries have adopted specific interconnection standards for large wind farm projects. And, some utilities have wind farm related requirements for a dynamic stand-by system to compensate for dropping wind power if that should be a problem. To meet this requirement, many wind farms today are employing innovative systems that regulate grid voltages and provide dynamic reactive power support. Take a look here for information to help you debate this issue.

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