Characterizing the Effects of High Wind Penetration on a Small Isolated Grid in Arctic Alaska

• Main Authors: Randall, G, Vilhauer, R. (Global Energy Concepts, LLC), Thompson, C. (Thompson Engineering Company)
• Other Authors: United States. Department of Energy.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.) 2001
• Subjects: Wind Turbines; Capacity; Wind-Diesel Hybrid Systems; Alaska; Turbines; Hybrid Systems Wind Energy; Wind Power; Wind Energy; Kotzebue; 17 Wind Energy; Peak Load; Arctic
• Online Access: http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc718869/

This paper examines the operating characteristics of the wind-diesel system in Kotzebue, Alaska, operated by Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA). KEA began incorporating wind power into its 100% diesel generating system in 1997 with three 66 kW wind turbines. In 1999, KEA added another seven 66 kW turbines, resulting in the current wind capacity of 660 kW. KEA is in the process of expanding its wind project again and ultimately expects to operate 2-3 MW of wind capacity. With a peak load of approximately 4 MW and a minimum load of approximately 1.6 MW, the wind penetration is significant. KEA is currently experiencing greater than 35% wind penetration, sometimes for several consecutive hours. This paper discusses the observed wind penetration at KEA and evaluates the effects of wind penetration on power quality on the KEA grid.