Improving the Grid-Connected Capacity of Offshore Wind Farms: A Case Study of the Taiwan Power System

In response to the development of Taiwan's renewable energy policy in recent years, efforts have been made toward promoting energy transformation to reduce the generation of thermal and nuclear power as well as power produced by other traditional units, with the ultimate goal of increasing renewable energy generation. Among all types of electricity generation, offshore wind power has gradually progressed and become the focus of renewable energy development in various countries. First, a suitable method to obtain the maximum number of offshore wind farms connected to the grid without changing the network structure is found. Three processes are considered, connecting buses to the grid in centralized, equally distributed, and transmission line loading rate methods, under the criterion of not adding lines and adopting the {N}{-}{1} fault. If the maximum grid-connected capacity is still insufficient, three search methods are considered for installing transmission lines at optimal points. Each has clear analysis steps and construction processes. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are compared. The results facilitate the integration of offshore wind farms into the power system and serve as references for installation and improvement. © 1975-2012 IEEE.