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Synchronous Condensers: Enhancing Stability in Power Systems with Grid-Following Inverters

Amir Sajadi, Barry Mather, Bri-Mathias Hodge

Abstract

Large-scale integration of inverter-based resources into power grids worldwide is challenging their stability and security. This paper takes a closer look at synchronous condensers as a solution to mitigate stability challenges caused by the preponderance of grid-following inverters. It finds that while they are not grid-forming assets themselves, they could enhance grid stability. Throughout this paper, different facets of power system stability and their underlying phenomena are discussed. In addition, instances of instability and mitigation strategies using synchronous condenser are demonstrated using electromagnetic transient simulations. The analysis in this paper highlights the underlying mechanism by which synchronous condensers enhance angular stability, frequency response, and voltage stability. Moreover, it underscores the criticality of their choice of location by demonstrating the destabilizing behavior that could be initiated by the interactions of synchronous condensers.

Synchronous Condensers: Enhancing Stability in Power Systems with Grid-Following Inverters

Abstract

Large-scale integration of inverter-based resources into power grids worldwide is challenging their stability and security. This paper takes a closer look at synchronous condensers as a solution to mitigate stability challenges caused by the preponderance of grid-following inverters. It finds that while they are not grid-forming assets themselves, they could enhance grid stability. Throughout this paper, different facets of power system stability and their underlying phenomena are discussed. In addition, instances of instability and mitigation strategies using synchronous condenser are demonstrated using electromagnetic transient simulations. The analysis in this paper highlights the underlying mechanism by which synchronous condensers enhance angular stability, frequency response, and voltage stability. Moreover, it underscores the criticality of their choice of location by demonstrating the destabilizing behavior that could be initiated by the interactions of synchronous condensers.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 18 sections, 8 equations, 13 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Grid-Formation vs. Grid Strength
  3. Scientific Definitions
  4. Asset To "Form" the Grid?
  5. GFL-IBR
  6. Synchronous Condenser
  7. Summary
  8. Asset to Provide "Strength" To the Grid?
  9. GFL-IBR
  10. Synchronous Condenser
  11. Simulation Methodology
  12. Test Case
  13. Modeling Implementation
  14. Results and Discussion
  15. Grid-forming Capability
  16. ...and 3 more sections

Figures (13)

  • Figure 1: One-line diagram of the case study
  • Figure 2: Frequency stability for three cases examined for with all GFL-IBRs
  • Figure 3: Frequency response for four cases examined for the installation of SynCo - the pattern of motions in voltage and phase angle signals for each case were similar to those of frequency, thus not shown here.
  • Figure 4: Phase angle fast dynamics for four cases examined for the installation of SynCo
  • Figure 5: Active and reactive power response of SynCos - the section highlighted by dashed red circle is the short-circuit power supply
  • ...and 8 more figures