Voltage Stability Analysis of Grid-Connected Wind Farms with FACTS: Static and Dynamic Analysis

Recently, analysis of some major blackouts and failures of power system shows that voltage instability problem has been one of the main reasons of these disturbances and networks collapse. In this paper, a systematic approach to voltage stability analysis using various techniques for the IEEE 14-bus case study, is presented. Static analysis is used to analyze the voltage stability of the system under study, whilst the dynamic analysis is used to evaluate the performance of compensators. The static techniques used are Power Flow, V–P curve analysis, and Q–V modal analysis. In this study, Flexible Alternating Current Transmission system (FACTS) devices- namely, Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) and Static Var Compensators (SVCs) - are used as reactive power compensators, taking into account maintaining the violated voltage magnitudes of the weak buses within the acceptable limits defined in ANSI C84.1. Simulation results validate that both the STATCOMs and the SVCs can be effectively used to enhance the static voltage stability and increasing network loadability margin. Additionally, based on the dynamic analysis results, it has been shown that STATCOMs have superior performance, in dynamic voltage stability enhancement, compared to SVCs

STATCOM and SVC with Wind Turbines

The large wind parks are the feasible solution in order to generate clean energy compared with conventional power plants. Therefore, the interest in the Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) is quickly increasing to reduce the fossil fuels dependencies. While the penetration of the WECS increases into the grid, many of the technical challenges have appeared. Low voltage Ride Through (LVRT) is the new requirement which needs to be fulfill when the amount of wind power generation increases, to be able to guarantee the power system reliability and stability. The voltage dips that result from faults in the grid can lead to a loss generation unit. According to the LVRT, WTs are required to be always connect during the fault, and to support the power system by supplying reactive power to ensure grid stability. The main purpose of the thesis was to investigate that how the LVRT of Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) can be enhanced using shunt connected Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) and Static Var Compensator (SVC). The theoretical background related to the LVRT enhancement using STATCOM and SVC is performed, and results are verified by the simulation model. This thesis is constructed in 5 Chapters, Chapter 1 gives an overview about the problems related to wind power. Chapter 2 explains the different grid codes and different topologies of the wind turbine technologies. Chapter 3 explains the working principle, construction and applications of the STATCOM and SVC. A comprehensive comparison between the STATCOM and SVC is also explained in this chapter. The operation of DFIG wind turbine during voltage dip is analyzed by using the simulation model in the next Chapter. In the first case, the effect of a three-phase fault on the power system was analyzed without using any compensation device. The LVRT requirements were not fulfilled without any compensation device. Therefore, in the second case, SVC was added in the model. Some improvement was observed in this case, but it was not enough to fulfill very strict LVRT requirements such as German Grid Codes (GGCs).Therefore, in the third case, SVC is replaced by STATCOM to meet the LVRT requirement of GGCs. In the last case, three different ratings of STATCOM were utilized to see the effect on the grid voltage and reactive power support by STATCOMs. The key findings of this thesis work are reported by Chapter 5

Modelling of reduced GB transmission system in PSCAD/EMTDC

Energy and environmental issues are two of the greatest challenges facing the world today. In response to energy needs and environmental concerns, renewable energy technologies are now considered the future technologies of choice. Renewable energy is produced from natural sources that are clean and free; however, it is widely accepted that renewable energy is not a solution without challenges. An example of this can be seen in the UK, where there is much interest amongst generation developers in the construction of new large scale onshore and offshore wind farms, especially in Scotland. The stability of electric power systems is also an important issue. It is important to have full knowledge of the system and to be able to predict the behaviour under different situations is an important objective. As a result, several industrial grade power system simulator tools have been developed in order to estimate the behaviour of the electric power system under certain conditions. This paper presents a reduced Great Britain (GB) system model for stability analysis using PSCAD/EMTDC. The reduced model is based upon a future GB transmission system model and, hence, contains different types and mix of generation, HVDC transmission lines and additional interconnection. The model is based on the reduced DIgSILENT PowerFactory model developed by National Grid

Provision of voltage ancillary services through enhanced TSO-DSO interaction and aggregated distributed energy resources

The electrical energy generated from renewable energy resources connected to transmission and distribution systems and the displacement of synchronous generators continues to grow. This presages a paradigm-shift away from the traditional provision of ancillary services, essential to ensure a robust system, from transmission-connected synchronous generators towards provision from synchronous and non-synchronous generation (including distribution-connected resources). Given that the available resources at the disposal of system operators are continuously increasing, the flexibility for operating the network can be enlarged. In this context, this paper introduces a dedicated voltage ancillary services strategy for provision of reactive power. A main feature of the proposed strategy is that it is technology-neutral, unlike existing ones that are focused on synchronous generators. The system need for voltage stability is placed at the core of this strategy, which is translated into a requirement for reactive power provision. The proposed strategy achieves, through the combined utilization of distributed generation and traditional resources, to defer the investments in reactive compensating equipment. Dynamic and transient studies are conducted to demonstrate the technical benefits of the strategy, while its practical feasibility is also validated through hardware-in-the-loop testing

Improvement of Power Quality Considering Voltage Stability in Grid Connected System by FACTS Devices

Recently the wind power generation has attracted special interest and many wind power stations are being in service in the world. In the wind turbine that mostly uses induction generators, tend to drain large amounts of Vars from the grid, potentially causing low voltage and may be voltage stability problems for the utility owner, especially in the case of large load variation on distribution feeder. Voltage-source converter based various FACTS devices have been used for flexible power flow control, secure loading and damping of power system oscillations. Some of those are used also to improve transient and dynamic stability of the wind power generation (WPGS)