Variable-speed wind turbines for grid frequency support: a systematic literature review

Abstract

As the finite nature of non-renewable energy resources is realised and climate change concerns become more prevalent, the need to shift to more sustainable forms of energy such as the adoption of renewable energy has seen an increase. More specifically, wind energy conversion systems (WECS) have become increasingly important as a contribution to grid frequency support, to maintain power at the nominal frequency and mitigate power failures or supply shortages against demand. Therefore, limiting deviations in frequency is imperative and, thus, the control methods of WECS are called to be investigated. The systematic literature review methodology was used and aimed at investigating these control methods used by WECS, more specifically variable-speed wind turbines (VSWT), in supporting grid frequency as well as the limitations of such methods. The paper identifies these to be de-loading, energy storage systems and emulated inertial response. Further classification of these is presented regarding these control methods, which are supported by literature within period of 2015–2022. The literature indicated a persistent interest in this field; however, a few limitations of VSWTS were identified. The emulated inertial response, specifically using a droop control-based frequency support scheme, was the primary means of providing frequency support. This systematic literature review may be limited by the number of papers selected for the study. Results and conclusions will not only be useful for WECS development but also in assisting with the security of the transmission grid’s frequency stability. Future work will focus on further studying the limitations of WECS providing frequency support.