Challenges of integrating renewable energy sources to smart grids: A review

The deep penetration of renewable energy sources is on the cutting edge of smart grid vision. However, the variability and limited predictability of these sources have brought many technical challenges to grids. Many regulatory communities and system operators in the power sector have established grid codes to ensure proper connection of these renewable sources. This paper investigates the up-to-date methods used to enhance power system performance in the presence of a large share of renewable energy generation. In particular, two areas are addressed; the first is the techniques used for improving the wind and photovoltaic low-voltage ride-through capabilities to meet the required grid codes. The second is the contribution of these sources to the small signal stability of the power system in terms of inter-area oscillation damping. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.