Wind Power Integration

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the opportunities and problems associated with the integration of wind energy into electrical networks currently in operation or under development. A description is given of the requirements for wind energy integration and the consequences that the particular characteristics of this energy source, namely its unpredictability and the fluctuation of the generated power, can give rise to in the electrical network to which it is connected. A presentation is made of the distributed systems and the benefits of wind energy integration into normal interconnected microgrids and stand-alone microgrids are described. A schematic description is also provided of the so-called Smart Grid concept which, in recent years, has been put forward as a potential future tool for the integration of renewables. This is followed by a discussion of wind forecasting and economic questions. Finally, future trends of these systems are described.