Wind power plants in dynamic states of the power grid (WindGrid)

The project entitled "Wind power plants in dynamic states of the power grid" (Access project 
No: 194) conducted under the ERIGrid 2.0 Lab Access programme has demonstrated signifi
cant benefits for both user groups and hosting organization. By offering access to cutting-edge 
laboratory facilities and expert support, the programme accelerates research and develop
ment, thereby fostering scientific advancements.  
Key Outcomes and Benefits: 
1. Advancements in Islanding Detection: 
• Conducting comprehensive scheduled tests on island operation of converters 
in wind power plants was a notable achievement. 
• Physical laboratory experiments provided valuable insights for detecting island 
operations, surpassing the reliability of computer simulations. 
2. Voltage Fluctuation Compensation Research: 
• Initial simulation studies confirmed the feasibility of using converter reactive 
power for rapid voltage fluctuation compensation. 
• Subsequent laboratory tests validated these assumptions, proving the tech
nique’s effectiveness. 
3. Holistic Test Description (HTD): 
• HTD was instrumental in organizing work by defining test objectives and evalu
ation criteria. 
• It facilitated effective planning and coordination, leading to efficient resource 
management and adherence to deadlines. 
• The test table created during HTD preparation required minimal modifications, 
demonstrating its robustness and adaptability. 
• Technical Annex and HTD canvas are presented in Appendix A. 
4. Challenges and Solutions: 
• A significant challenge was ensuring the safe island operation of converters, 
given the rapid changes in voltage and frequency. 
• Pre-experiment simulations confirmed the effectiveness of protective 
measures, ensuring equipment safety during tests. 
5. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Technique: 
• HIL was particularly advantageous for testing voltage fluctuation compensation. 
• It offered a cost-effective and safer alternative to constructing a physical control 
system. 
• HIL allowed for the identification and mitigation of potential errors without risking 
damage to the converter, enabling swift system modifications. 
Overall, the ERIGrid 2.0 Lab Access programme has proven to be an invaluable asset for 
advancing smart grid technologies. By enabling rigorous testing and validation in a controlled 
laboratory environment, it has provided critical support for innovative research, ultimately con
tributing to the development of more reliable and efficient energy systems.