Wind energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources due to its availability and climate-friendly attributes. Large-scale integration of wind energy sources creates potential technical challenges due to the intermittent nature that needs to be investigated and mitigated as part of developing a sustainable power system for the future. Therefore, this study developed simulation models to investigate the potential challenges, in particular voltage fluctuations, zone substation, and distribution transformer loading, power flow characteristics, and harmonic emissions with the integration of wind energy into both the high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) distribution network (DN). From model analysis, it has been clearly indicated that influences of these problems increase with the increased integration of wind energy into both the high voltage and low voltage distribution network; however, the level of adverse impacts is higher in the LV DN compared to the HV DN. 1. Introduction Renewable energy (RE), in particular wind energy, is the most promising of the RE sources which are free from GHG emissions, and it has potential to meet the energy demand due to its availability which encourages interest worldwide [1–3]. Over recent years there have been dramatic improvements in wind energy technologies, and wind is increasingly becoming an important energy source [4]. Integration of wind energy into the grid creates potential technical challenges that affect power quality (PQ) of the systems due to the intermittent nature of wind energy. Potential technical difficulties occur not only due to the intermittent nature of wind source but also due to the design of wind turbine types, electrical equipment, and the grid connection characteristics [5, 6]. With increased penetration of wind energy to the grid, the key potential technical challenges that affect quality of power observed include voltage fluctuation, reactive power compensation, switching actions, synchronisation, long transmission lines, low power factor, and harmonics [7–10]. Voltage fluctuation or instability as well as voltage sags/dips, noise, surges/spikes, and power outages are the common problems encountered during integration of large-scale wind energy into the grid. Variability of wind speed with time is not the only reason for these problems; grid connection issues, faults during operations, starting of large motors, and so forth are also responsible. The energy conversion of the most modern wind turbines is done using fixed speed machines (often with the capability to operate at two
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