Work

Strategic sizing of grid-forming BESS for reliable wind farm integration in weak grids

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Renewable energy sources (RESs) are growing rapidly due to their environmental benefits, energy security, and cost-effectiveness. However, RESs are integrated into electricity networks via inverter-based technologies that lack inherent reactive power support, potentially weakening grid stability. Traditional solutions to this limitation involve the use of synchronous condensers, which are costly and have long deployment times, prompting interest in battery energy storage systems (BESS) equipped with grid-forming inverters (GFMI) as a flexible alternative. This study investigates the optimal sizing of GFMI-BESS to reliably support the integration of large-scale wind farms into weak grids (SCR = 1.3, X/R = 3), focusing on minimizing capacity without compromising stability. Using detailed PSCAD/EMTDC simulations, the dynamic performance of a 100 MW wind farm (Type-4) with various GFMI-BESS capacities (5–25 MVA) is evaluated under steady-state conditions, active power step changes, symmetrical and asymmetrical faults and frequency disturbances.Results demonstrate that, under the benchmark weak-grid condition studied (SCR = 1.3, X/R = 3.0), a minimum GFMI-BESS size of 15 MVA is required to maintain voltage stability and fault ride-through capability. This value should be interpreted as a case-specific lower bound, with the methodology readily extendable to other temporal and spatial grid conditions.

Source: Energy Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.11.116

Authors: Rony Ahmed Khan, Saad Mekhilef, Noraisyah Mohamed Shah, Marizan Mubin, Md. Parvez Akter

Institutions: University of Malaya, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Swinburne University of Technology, UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Microgrid Control and Optimization

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,040