J. Kennedy

Bio: J. Kennedy is an academic researcher from Queen's University Belfast. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wind power & Electric power system. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 24 publications receiving 301 citations.

Validation of Fixed Speed Induction Generator Models for Inertial Response Using Wind Farm Measurements

Abstract: This paper outlines the use of phasor measurement unit (PMU) records to validate models of fixed speed induction generator (FSIG)-based wind farms during frequency transients. Wind turbine manufacturers usually create their own proprietary models which they can supply to power system utilities for stability studies, subject to confidentiality agreements. However, it is desirable to confirm the accuracy of supplied models with measurements from the particular installation, in order to assess their validity under real field conditions. This is prudent due to possible changes in control algorithms and design retrofits, not accurately reflected or omitted in the supplied model. One important aspect of such models, especially for smaller power systems with limited inertia, is their accuracy during system frequency transients. This paper, therefore, assesses the accuracy of FSIG models with regard to frequency stability, and hence validates a subset of the model dynamics. Such models can then be used with confidence to assess wider system stability implications. The measured and simulated response of a wind farm using doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) technology is also assessed.

Wide-Area Phase-Angle Measurements for Islanding Detection—An Adaptive Nonlinear Approach

Abstract: The integration of an ever-growing proportion of large-scale distributed renewable generation has increased the probability of maloperation of the traditional RoCoF and vector shift relays. With reduced inertia due to nonsynchronous penetration in a power grid, system-wide disturbances have forced the utility industry to design advanced protection schemes to prevent system degradation and avoid cascading outages leading to widespread blackouts. This paper explores a novel adaptive nonlinear approach applied to islanding detection, based on wide-area phase-angle measurements. This is challenging since the voltage phase angles from different locations exhibit not only strong nonlinear but also time-varying characteristics. The adaptive nonlinear technique, called moving window kernel principal component analysis, is proposed to model the time-varying and nonlinear trends in the voltage-phase angle data. The effectiveness of the technique is exemplified using DigSilent simulated cases and real test cases recorded from the Great Britain and Ireland power systems by the OpenPMU project.

Distributed generation as a balancing resource for wind generation

Abstract: Full exploitation of the environmental and financial benefits of wind-generated energy in a power system requires prediction of the wind energy profile well in advance of delivery. On the basis of forecast profile and associated confidence, wind energy can be included in the unit commitment/economic dispatch procedure, resulting in near-optimal commitment and loading of thermal plant, thereby saving fuel. A wind forecasting methodology, which closely resembles a commercial wind forecasting package, is adopted to illustrate the possible instances of significant over-forecasting, although rare, and exposure of the system to substantial risk. It is shown that the cost of additional spinning reserve necessary for such cases is prohibitive, and a fast, flexible generation, such as diesel gen-sets are considered as a superior mechanism to balance any such shortfalls. The Northern Ireland power system is used as a case study to demonstrate the environmental and financial benefits of using distributed diesel generation in the manner described above. The study is based on a six-month period system data, and is applied to various future scenarios of the installed wind. It is shown that the methodology can mitigate many of the problems associated with large-scale wind penetration on a synchronously islanded system.

Measurement-based method for wind farm power system oscillations monitoring

Abstract: The global increase in the penetration of renewable energy is pushing electrical power systems into uncharted territory, especially in terms of transient and dynamic stability. In particular, the greater penetration of wind generation in European power networks is, at times, displacing a significant capacity of conventional synchronous generation with fixed-speed induction generation and now more commonly, doubly fed induction generators. The impact of such changes in the generation mix requires careful monitoring to assess the impact on transient and dynamic stability. This study presents a measurement-based method for the early detection of power system oscillations, with consideration of mode damping, in order to raise alarms and develop strategies to actively improve power system dynamic stability and security. A method is developed based on wavelet-based support vector data description (SVDD) to detect oscillation modes in wind farm output power, which may excite dynamic instabilities in the wider system. The wavelet transform is used as a filter to identify oscillations in frequency bands, whereas the SVDD method is used to extract dominant features from different scales and generate an assessment boundary according to the extracted features. Poorly damped oscillations of a large magnitude, or that are resonant, can be alarmed to the system operator, to reduce the risk of system instability. The proposed method is exemplified using measured data from a chosen wind farm site.

Review of energy system flexibility measures to enable high levels of variable renewable electricity

Abstract: The paper reviews different approaches, technologies, and strategies to manage large-scale schemes of variable renewable electricity such as solar and wind power. We consider both supply and demand side measures. In addition to presenting energy system flexibility measures, their importance to renewable electricity is discussed. The flexibility measures available range from traditional ones such as grid extension or pumped hydro storage to more advanced strategies such as demand side management and demand side linked approaches, e.g. the use of electric vehicles for storing excess electricity, but also providing grid support services. Advanced batteries may offer new solutions in the future, though the high costs associated with batteries may restrict their use to smaller scale applications. Different “P2Y”-type of strategies, where P stands for surplus renewable power and Y for the energy form or energy service to which this excess in converted to, e.g. thermal energy, hydrogen, gas or mobility are receiving much attention as potential flexibility solutions, making use of the energy system as a whole. To “functionalize” or to assess the value of the various energy system flexibility measures, these need often be put into an electricity/energy market or utility service context. Summarizing, the outlook for managing large amounts of RE power in terms of options available seems to be promising.

Current status and future advances for wind speed and power forecasting

Abstract: This paper presents an overview of existing research on wind speed and power forecasting. It first discusses state-of-the-art wind speed and power forecasting approaches. Then, forecasting accuracy is presented based on variable factors. Finally, potential techniques to improve the accuracy of forecasting models are reviewed. A full survey on all existing models is not presented, but attempts to highlight the most promising body of knowledge concerning wind speed and power forecasting.

Combined Operations of Renewable Energy Systems and Responsive Demand in a Smart Grid

Abstract: The integration of renewable energy systems (RESs) in smart grids (SGs) is a challenging task, mainly due to the intermittent and unpredictable nature of the sources, typically wind or sun. Another issue concerns the way to support the consumers' participation in the electricity market aiming at minimizing the costs of the global energy consumption. This paper proposes an energy management system (EMS) aiming at optimizing the SG's operation. The EMS behaves as a sort of aggregator of distributed energy resources allowing the SG to participate in the open market. By integrating demand side management (DSM) and active management schemes (AMS), it allows a better exploitation of renewable energy sources and a reduction of the customers' energy consumption costs with both economic and environmental benefits. It can also improve the grid resilience and flexibility through the active participation of distribution system operators (DSOs) and electricity supply/demand that, according to their preferences and costs, respond to real-time price signals using market processes. The efficiency of the proposed EMS is verified on a 23-bus 11-kV distribution network.

Synchrophasor Measurement Technology in Power Systems: Panorama and State-of-the-Art

Abstract: Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are rapidly being deployed in electric power networks across the globe. Wide-area measurement system (WAMS), which builds upon PMUs and fast communication links, is consequently emerging as an advanced monitoring and control infrastructure. Rapid adaptation of such devices and technologies has led the researchers to investigate multitude of challenges and pursue opportunities in synchrophasor measurement technology, PMU structural design, PMU placement, miscellaneous applications of PMU from local perspectives, and various WAMS functionalities from the system perspective. Relevant research articles appeared in the IEEE and IET publications from 1983 through 2014 are rigorously surveyed in this paper to represent a panorama of research progress lines. This bibliography will aid academic researchers and practicing engineers in adopting appropriate topics and will stimulate utilities toward development and implementation of software packages.

Decoupled-DFIG Fault Ride-Through Strategy for Enhanced Stability Performance During Grid Faults

Abstract: This paper proposes a decoupled fault ride-through strategy for a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) to enhance network stability during grid disturbances. The decoupled operation proposes that a DFIG operates as an induction generator (IG) with the converter unit acting as a reactive power source during a fault condition. The transition power characteristics of the DFIG have been analyzed to derive the capability of the proposed strategy under various system conditions. The optimal crowbar resistance is obtained to exploit the maximum power capability from the DFIG during decoupled operation. The methods have been established to ensure proper coordination between the IG mode and reactive power compensation from the grid-side converter during decoupled operation. The viability and benefits of the proposed strategy are demonstrated using different test network structures and different wind penetration levels. Control performance has been benchmarked against existing grid code standards and commercial wind generator systems, based on the optimal network support required (i.e., voltage or frequency) by the system operator from a wind farm installed at a particular location.