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Technical and economical effects of connecting increasing numbers of large wind turbines to weak public utility networks

Objective

Commercially available wind turbines are increasing in size and the Joule II programme contains several projects to develop turbines in the 1 MW size range. It is also becoming apparent that in many areas of the Community, the windiest sites are characterised by weak connections to the public electricity network. The objectives of this project are therefore to investigate the problems likely to be encountered in the connection of increasing numbers of large wind turbines to weak rural public utility networks.

The objective of the project is to develop techniques and modelling tools which allow connection of increasing numbers of large turbines on weak, rural public utility networks in a cost effective manner.
Deliverables: report including:
- An analysis of the problems which have been identified.
- Description of proposed solutions and an assessment of their likely effectiveness.
- Detailed case studies of applications of large wind turbines on the networks of SWEB and ENDESA.


The study falls into three areas :
1. technical connection issues,
2. wind turbine and wind farm performance and
3. economic and risk assessment considerations.

It is expected that the results of the study will provide guidance to utilities and wind farm developers on the limits to wind farm size and preferred turbine size and configuration, depending on the characteristics of the local electricity network and the local terrain. The
participation of utilities with direct experience of the interest in connection of wind farms in rural areas of Spain and the UK will ensure the results of the study are of direct relevance throughout Europe.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

GARRAD HASSAN AND PARTNERS LTD
Address
Saint Vincent Works, Silverthorne Lane
BS2 0QD Bristol
United Kingdom

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Participants (4)

Empresa Nacional de Electricidad SA
Spain
Address
187,príncipe De Vergara
28002 Madrid

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South Western Electricity plc
United Kingdom
Address
800 Park Avenue Aztec West
BS12 4SE Almondsbury

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UNIVERSIDAD PONTIFICIA COMILLAS
Spain
Address
26,c/ Santa Cruz De Marcenado 26
28015 Madrid

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UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
United Kingdom
Address
Sackville Street
Manchester

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