The expansion of wind power around the world poses a new challenge that network operators must overcome, namely the integration of this renewable energy source into the grid. Comprehensive analyses involving time-domain simulations must be carried out to plan network operation and ensure power supply. In light of the above, and with the aim of extending the use of the wind turbine models developed by Standard IEC 61400-27-1 and assessing their performance according to national grid code requirements, an IEC Type 3 wind turbine model has been submitted for the first time to Spanish grid code PO 12.3. Indeed, there is a lack of studies submitting generic wind turbine models to national grid code requirements. The model’s behavior is compared with field measurements of an actual Gamesa G52 machine and with its detailed simulation model. The outcomes obtained have been comprehensively analyzed and the results of the validation criteria highlight that several modeling modifications, in the cases of non-compliance, must be implemented in the IEC-developed Type 3 model in order to comply with PO 12.3. Nevertheless, the results also show that when the transformer inrush current is not considered, the reactive power response of the generic Type 3 WT model meets the validation criteria, thus complying with Spanish PO 12.3.

Power systems are currently witnessing a high wind-power penetration due to the development and commissioning of an increasing number of wind-power plants. This new scenario inevitably changes the way power systems are operated, mainly due to the uncertainties associated with wind, with the proper integration of this renewable energy source into the grid emerging as a new challenge. Unlike other highly flexible energy sources that can be used on demand according to the market needs, wind energy production is intermittent and non-dispatchable. In this context, transient stability analyses through the dynamic simulation of wind-turbine models and wind-power plants must be carried out. Moreover, as many countries have their own grid codes, the compliance requirements to connect wind farms to the network may be significantly different, depending on the specific region. In light of the above, this paper addresses the submission to Spanish Operation Procedure 12.3 (PO 12.3), for the first time, of one of the most advanced wind-turbine models, the generic Type 3 or doubly fed induction generator defined by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) Second-Generation guidelines. The results show, on the one hand, the notable effect of the transformer inrush current, which influences the accuracy of the behavior of the generic wind-turbine model, and, on the other hand, the inability of the generic model to represent the transient periods of actual wind turbines. However, when the validation criteria is applied at the low-voltage measurement point, the WECC model fully complies with Spanish grid code PO 12.3.