Power oscillations damping by wind power plants: design, field test verification and model validation

Grid codes increasingly demand WPPs to contribute dampening inter-area oscillations. A key performance indicator for the damping effect is the phase shift between grid voltage oscillation and the plant reactive power output, called POD-Q response. POD-Q should be coordinated with other control modes, particularly existing voltage control. That coordination is done either in continuous mode or discontinuous mode assisted by an oscillation detection algorithm. Adaptive control strategies enable seamless transition between fast voltage regulation and effective oscillation damping, ensuring compliance with both voltage control and grid damping requirements. To test and verify the POD-Q function, field tests and computational simulations are done, using a procedure and accurate electrical models. Real implementation in large-scale WPP followed by proper commissioning procedure was conducted. Field results show the POD-Q open-loop performance fulfilling the expected phase shift and the respective grid code requirement. The value and use of accurate simulation models is particularly significant when a POD-Q function is involved. The models validation process involved comparing the simulation results with the field measurements, assessing phase shifts and amplitudes. Results from the simulation models remain aligned with the field performance, demonstrating the capability of this function and models.