GE study challenges fears about wind power

GE’s Energy Consulting business presented the findings of its frequency response study on wind power and grid resiliency. The study, which was sponsored by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, modeled the country’s Eastern Interconnection. The study of this large electrical system determined that when equipped with the appropriate modern plant controls, wind applications can substantially enhance grid resiliency.

Questions about how the U.S. electrical systems would respond to a large-scale interruption of generation, such as multiple power plants tripping offline, were the catalyst for the study. An event like this could result in significantly lower frequencies on the system, customer interruptions or even large-scale blackouts.

More effective wind power

The study explored in detail how the grid could respond to a major event and maintain its resiliency with significant wind power added to the generation mix. The conclusions of the study found that wind can be more effective than thermal generation in controlling frequency on the grid due to its ability to respond more quickly.

The study modeled a scenario where there was an instantaneous penetration of 25 percent wind generation in the Eastern Interconnection—a scenario that is an aggressive case in the eastern U.S. today. At these levels of penetration, there will be operating conditions where traditional frequency responsive resources are scarce, it showed. This is typical in systems with high levels of wind penetration.

Nicholas Miller, lead author of the study and senior technical director for GE’s Energy Consulting business said GE’s study considered the impact of wind power on the Eastern Interconnection of the U.S. but the lessons learned can be applied in Europe and around the globe. “The conclusions demonstrate that wind power can be more effective in maintaining frequency than thermal generation when wind farms are equipped with grid friendly controls. These findings should show that the future of wind energy is bright and it will continue to play a larger role in the power we consume.”