Evaluation of Wind Power Curtailment in Active Network Management Schemes

This paper explores the impact that different network access arrangements have on the capacity factor of non-firm wind generator connections to distribution networks. Active network management (ANM) projects are increasing in application in distribution networks as the need to integrate distributed generation becomes a more serious challenge. An important aspect of ANM is the contractual arrangement of the participating generation developer and network operator parties. These are sometimes referred to as “Principles of Access” (PoA) and deals with the rights of the generator when curtailment of generation output is required to maintain the network within its limits. Currently, a Last in First Off (LIFO) PoA is implemented in most U.K. ANM deployments and is the prevailing PoA in the Orkney ANM scheme. The Orkney network is used in this paper as a case study to analyze different PoA and compare the renewable energy capacity factor (CF) which result from these arrangements. The archival value of this paper is in the application of optimal power flow (OPF) to the PoA analysis challenge, in the quantification of the impact of previously identified PoA and in the conclusions drawn on the implications of different PoA choices for ANM schemes at the current early stage of ANM deployment.