Interaction and Coordination among Nuclear Power Plants, Power Grids and Their Protection Systems

Abstract

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) have recently undergone rapid development in China. To improve the performance of both NPPs and grids during adverse conditions, a precise understanding of the coordination between NPPs and grids is required. Therefore, a new mathematical model with reasonable accuracy and reduced computational complexity is developed. This model is applicable to the short, mid, and long-term dynamic simulation of large-scale power systems. The effectiveness of the model is verified by using an actual NPP full-scope simulator as a reference. Based on this model, the interaction and coordination between NPPs and grids under the conditions of over-frequency, under-frequency and under-voltage are analyzed, with special stress applied to the effect of protection systems on the safe operation of both NPPs and power grids. Finally, the coordinated control principles and schemes, together with the recommended protection system values, are proposed for both NPPs and grids. These results show that coordination between the protection systems of NPPs and power networks is a crucial factor in ensuring the safe and stable operation of both NPPs and grids. The results can be used as a reference for coordination between NPPs and grids, as well as for parameter optimization of grid-related generator protection of NPPs.

Analysis of Transient Interactions between a PWR Nuclear Power Plant and a Faulted Electricity Grid

“…In some recent works [14][15][16][17], empirical formulation-based and first principles-based models have been proposed for power system analysis. An optimisation-based method has been put forward by Wang et al for power systems analysis in advanced pressurised water reactor (PWR) [14].…”

“…An optimisation-based method has been put forward by Wang et al for power systems analysis in advanced pressurised water reactor (PWR) [14]. Wu et al studied the frequency and voltage excursions and discussed the coordinated control and protection of nuclear power plants and grids [15]. For the over-frequency protection of nuclear power plants, a speed-governing system model was also proposed [16].…”

A Speed-Governing System Model with Over-Frequency Protection for Nuclear Power Generating Units

“…This has mainly analyzed the characteristics of overspeed protection from the perspective of the speed-governing system, but has rarely deeply analyzed the response characteristics of the reactor core system under large disturbances [21]. The rationality and coordination of the protection are of great significance to the safety and stability of the unit and power grid [22]. In simulation modeling, it is necessary to consider the co-ordination among the reactor core containing the reactor control, the thermal system, and the speed-governing system of the nuclear power unit.…”

Electric Power Systems Research

“…Power system stability; (2) Power system reliability; (3) Flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) applied to power systems; (4) Application of optimization methods to power systems; (5) Architectures and models of smart grids; (6) Power market; (7) Control, operation, and planning of distributed generation resources; (8) Smart home with energy management systems; (9) Microgrids and active distribution networks; (10) Virtual power plants and demand response.…”