Power system stability analysis under increasing penetration of photovoltaic power plants with synchronous power controllers

Abstract

The utilization of renewable sources brings many benefits to electric power systems, but also some challenges like the impact that renewable power plants employing power electronics have on the grid, which is gaining importance as the penetration of this type of generating stations increases, driven by the construction of large wind or solar photovoltaic power plants. This paper analyses the impact of large-scale photovoltaic power plants on a transmission grid for different penetration levels. The analysis considers power plants formed by a number of power converters employing synchronous power controllers, that allow them to have a harmonious interaction with the grid, and compares their performance with that of conventional power converter controllers, assuming in both cases that the power plants participate in frequency and voltage regulation. The study addresses both the small-signal stability of the system and its response to large disturbances that alter the active power balance and frequency stability. The results of the analysis show that photovoltaic power plants using synchronous power controllers are able to limit frequency deviations, improve the oscillation damping, and reduce the stress of other generating units, thus having a beneficial impact on the power system.

Voltage Stability of Low-Voltage Distribution Grid with High Penetration of Photovoltaic Power Units

“…Since existing synchronous generators are decreasing their power production with the increased penetration of photovoltaic (PV) generation at distribution systems, the impact on their voltage stability has become non-negligible and more analysis is needed [1,2]. Reviewing research literature shows that they have focused on the impact of solar-PV generation on short-and long-term voltage stability [3,4]. Developing studies conduct an investigation into the effect of these systems on power distribution systems [5,6].…”

Power Quality Services Provided by Virtually Synchronous FACTS

“…The SPC has been widely used to enable electronics power converter to behave as a synchronous machine [29][30][31][32], being an interesting control solution to implement virtually synchronous FACTS. In contrast to PLL-based conventional control schemes, the SPC relies on a power balancing mechanism to maintain its synchronism with the electrical grid.…”

Battery Energy Storage System Control for Mitigating PV Penetration Impact on Primary Frequency Control and State-of-Charge Recovery

“…In addition, authors in [5] indicated that higher PV penetration induces dramatic frequency oscillation beyond grid operating standards that potentially threatens uninterrupted load supply. Power oscillation damper [6], synchronous power controller [7], [8] and multiple-model adaptive control strategy [9] is adopted at PV terminal to damp out power system oscillations resulted from temporary power imbalances and maintain robust damping performance. A droop-type control [10], synthetic inertia control [11] and operating point lower than maximum power point (MPP) [12] are proposed to regulate PV power output and contribute in system frequency regulation.…”