Operational Problems in Incorporating Wind Farms and Thermal Power Plants into an Electric Power System

The integration of wind farms (WFs) into existing energy systems of the Russian Federation is associated with challenges including their increasing influence on the management of thermal power plants (TPPs) to ensure power balance in energy systems given the variable power generation induced by fluctuations in the wind speed and direction. TPPs form the backbone of the Russian electric power system, including the South consolidated power system, where the installed capacity of WFs is particularly high, accounting for 7.16% of the total system capacity. The OOO Gazprom Energoholding Group in the South consolidated power system, namely Adler TPP, Grozny TPP, Novocherkassk SRPP, and Stavropol’ SRPP, have seen WF power fluctuations. This article presents the results of an analysis of the main characteristic changes in the energy complexes with WFs, particularly the load regulation range, rates of ascension, and reduction in the active power, and electricity generation duration. Based on the operating modes of real WFs, the calculations results were obtained, which helped determine the capabilities of TPPs in balancing WF power fluctuations. Calculation of the installed capacity factor of the WFs and dynamic coefficient of unevenness enables, on the one hand, to limit the commissioning of additional WF capacities, and, on the other hand, to impose specific requirements on the maneuverability characteristics of steam-power plant equipment.