Harmonic Distortion Analysis and Mitigation in an On-Grid Wind Farm using Passive Filters: A Case Study on the Shahat Distribution Network

Abstract

The numerous non-linear power electronic components in a wind energy conversion system (WECS) cause harmonic distortion, which diminishes the quality of the electricity produced. For WECS to function optimally with the power grid, these distortions must not exceed the limits established by international standards for total harmonic distortion (THD) in voltage and current waveforms. As required by current rules, this study looks at the harmonic distortion at the point of common coupling (PCC) between a planned 10.5 MW wind farm and the SHAHAT distribution network in northeastern Libya. MATLAB/Simulink is employed to simulate the wind farm conversion units and execute harmonic elimination with passive harmonic filters (PHFs). The frequency spectrum and THD findings at the PCC are assessed in compliance with the IEEE 519 standard. The results demonstrated the significant efficacy of PHFs in reducing low-order harmonics below 2 kHz while being ineffectual in the supra-harmonic zone. The findings of this study are juxtaposed with analogous literature, and the outcomes of this comparison are delineated.