Optimal Allocation of Synchronous Condensers in Wind Dominated Power Grids

Abstract

System strength (also known as short-circuit performance) indicates the capability of a power system to recover a fault. Renewable energy integration in power grids causes replacement and retirement of synchronous generators from generation fleet, which tends to reduce system strength. As such, a predefined number of synchronous generators are intentionally kept online to ensure adequate system strength in some power systems (e.g. South Australia). It results in the curtailment of wind power which eventually introduces financial concerns. To mitigate this issue, synchronous condensers can be a worthwhile choice. These devices contribute to fault level and provide voltage support to enhance system strength. Since synchronous condensers are costly, the best strategy for their allocation is a major query to investigate. To address this concern, this paper proposes an optimisation algorithm to allocate synchronous condensers to enhance system strength in a wind dominated power system by taking into account the long-term economic profitability of synchronous condensers installation. System strength calculations are based on Time Domain Dynamic Simulations with dynamic models which include current saturation limit of power electronics converters of wind farms. The proposed optimisation algorithm provides the most technically as well as economically viable solution to enhance system strength by utilising synchronous condensers.INDEX TERMS Optimal allocation, short-circuit ratio, synchronous condenser, system strength, wind power integration.

Impact of Synchronous Condensers’ Ratings on Mitigating Subsynchronous Oscillations in Wind Farms

“…In [15,16], the combined effect of the control strategies in a converter-based power system with SC is under analysis. Optimization techniques for the optimal allocation of the synchronous condenser within the grid, as well the formulation of the cost and sizing have been investigated in [11,[17][18][19]. A practical application of SC has been successfully implemented in the Australian power grid [20], where its usage demonstrated a significant positive effect by mitigating SSOs and effectively integrating renewable energy sources better.…”

Analysis of Renewable Energy Consumption and Economy Considering the Joint Optimal Allocation of "Renewable Energy + Energy Storage + Condenser"

“…voltage support capability [1][2][3]. Reference [4] points out that using the condenser to participate in the emergency control of the power grid can give full play to the condenser's dynamic reactive power support capacity and ensure the safe and stable operation of the enormous power grid.…”

Optimization of PSVR parameters of condenser based on MATLAB/Simulink simulation

“…Synchronous condensers can provide reactive power support in the event of system failures, inhibit DC receiving end commutation failure, and have good reactive power output and transient voltage response characteristics, so they have been widely used in UHV DC transmission systems [1][2][3][4]. Installing a Power System Voltage Regulator (PSVR) can maintain the high-voltage bus voltage at a higher level.…”