Integration Enhancement of Grid-Connected Wind Farms Using HVDC Systems: Egyptian Network Case Study

This paper highlights the difficulties of integrating grid-connected wind farms from the technical and economic perspectives. The role of HVDC systems for enhancing wind farm integration in the Egyptian grid is visualized. Three different transmission configurations are considered for integrating the expected increase of wind power in the Red Sea region of the Egyptian grid. The first and second alternatives are based on establishing a new underground high voltage line using either 500 kV AC or ±320 kV DC systems. The third one is based on establishing a ±160 kV HVDC system depending on the existing 220 kV AC overhead line. A comparison among these three suggested methods regarding the cost wise, the environmental effects, and the technical issues is accomplished. This aims to pinpoint the most suitable solution for integrating large wind farms regarding the power capability, economic and technical perspectives.