Study of voltage fluctuations caused in a distribution grid by the connection of a wave energy converter and corrective actions based on reactive power compensation

Abstract

Renewable energies, in general, have considerably increased their penetration in electrical power systems. However, they are intermittent energy sources, and large amounts of this power could create problems for the proper operation of the electrical network. In this sense, this paper studies the effects of wave energy generation on the voltages in a distribution network, using the IEEE 34-bus test feeder. In addition, corrective actions based on reactive power compensation, such as reactive compensation from the grid-side converter of the wave energy converter and the use of a STATCOM, are presented. The results show that the use of the grid-side converter as a reactive power compensator improves the voltage quality in the network, although its capability to mitigate voltage fluctuations is limited. The use of a complementary external STATCOM can provide for extra compensation if needed.