Investigation of the Impacts of Large-Scale Wind Power Penetration on the Angle and Voltage Stability of Power Systems

TLDR

Power systems are becoming more complex as transmission lines approach limits, FACTS devices are deployed, and intermittent wind generators with low inertia are integrated, leading to dynamic swings, device interactions, and reduced synchronization. This study investigates the dynamic effects of high wind penetration and FACTS compensation to identify critical issues that constrain large‑scale integration and address concerns across grid topologies. The analysis uses the New England and New York system models subjected to both small and large disturbances. Results show that high compensation can lower security limits under certain conditions, and modes involving operating slip and shaft stiffness are critical barriers to extensive wind integration.

Abstract

The complexity of power systems has increased in recent years due to the operation of existing transmission lines closer to their limits, using flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices, and also due to the increased penetration of new types of generators that have more intermittent characteristics and lower inertial response, such as wind generators. This changing nature of a power system has considerable effect on its dynamic behaviors resulting in power swings, dynamic interactions between different power system devices, and less synchronized coupling. This paper presents some analyses of this changing nature of power systems and their dynamic behaviors to identify critical issues that limit the large-scale integration of wind generators and FACTS devices. In addition, this paper addresses some general concerns toward high compensations in different grid topologies. The studies in this paper are conducted on the New England and New York power system model under both small and large disturbances. From the analyses, it can be concluded that high compensation can reduce the security limits under certain operating conditions, and the modes related to operating slip and shaft stiffness are critical as they may limit the large-scale integration of wind generation.