Distributed Wind Applications Users Group Scope

Background: As a result of the distributed wind impacts project sponsored by UWIG, a core body of knowledge on the impacts of distributed wind projects on distribution feeders is being obtained. This knowledge consists of a set of engineering software tools useful in studying the impact of the wind turbines on feeder voltage regulation, flicker, and overcurrent protective device coordination. In addition, knowledge in the form of a case study database, a monitoring database, and application guides will be produced. This body of knowledge can expand and grow with time for the benefit of all those interested in similar such projects in the future. An effort is required to develop, organize and maintain this knowledge for the benefit and use of the members and other interested parties.

There are hundreds of small public power and rural electric cooperative utility systems, in addition to the investor owned utilities, that are anxious to better understand the issues associated with the planning, design, and operation of distribution systems with single or small clusters of wind turbines operating in them. Once this core base of knowledge and information has been developed, this user group will provide a structure to disseminate the results of this work. The user group will also maintain and expand on this work by incorporating new information as it is developed, and summarizing important findings for the use of a broader audience.

Scope: The scope of this user group covers the following areas: 

A. Engineering Software Tools

• Support existing tools
• Develop new tools 
• Application to FERC Small Generator NOPR

• IEEE 1547
• Flicker

Communication and Education: User Group results will be made available by the following methods:

• User Group Web Site
• Tech Brief for project
• Fact Sheets for case studies
• Bibliography with links
• Training sessions at UWIG meetings
• National and regional training seminars

User Group Activities: The Distributed Wind Impacts project provides the web-based infrastructure upon which the user group activities will be built. Related tools and studies prepared by other groups will also be summarized and referenced on the web site. We would like to begin by identifying user group members who would like to make a contribution by providing case study and measurement results that can be summarized and posted on the web site. We especially encourage the participation of planners who can contribute results of their own studies and who would be willing to serve as technical resources to others who are just getting started.

NREL Participation: The NREL Distributed Wind activities now deal with smaller turbines (1-10 kW), often single phase, that tend to be located on the customer side of the meter. If they are three phase, they can still be analyzed with these tools, as long as the user is willing to go to a little extra trouble in the modeling process. Prior to 2002, NREL had a small program dealing with distribution system level distributed wind. Activities were managed by Jim Green and included contributions to IEEE P1547, participation in the Turbine Verification Program (TVP) jointly with EPRI, and participation in development of the IEC Std. 21 Power Quality measurement protocol. Reports from the TVP activity are available, including a paper reporting on PQ measurements of turbines in the program; so is assistance with implementation of the IEC PQ measurement protocol. Some wind-diesel case studies are also available through Jeff Dominic.

Work to be included in User Group Scope:

• Domestic
• UWIG DW Project
• NWCC DW Project

For more information, please send e-mail to info@uwig.org