Optimal voltage control settings for wind power

High penetrations of wind power on distribution networks
are causing voltage rise on many networks. This voltage
rise is limiting the permissible penetration levels of wind.
Numerous active control schemes have been proposed to
solve this issue, but widespread adoption of active
management by network operators has yet to occur. Here,
the fixed power factors of the generators' and the tap setting
of the transmission transformer are optimally determined
such that the voltage rise barrier is overcome and more
wind can connect. The impact on the transmission system is
becoming increasingly important and is also taken account
of in the method. The method is tested on a sample section
of distribution network illustrating that the optimal
selection of voltage control settings can deliver some of the
benefits of active management without any of the expense or
perceived risk.