Network studies for a 100% converter-based power system

• Main Authors: Priyanko Guha Thakurta, Damian Flynn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2019-06-01
• Series: The Journal of Engineering
• Subjects: distributed power generation; renewable energy sources; wind power plants; photovoltaic power systems; power convertors; power grids; modern wind generators; generated power; fundamental grid frequency; solar generation; 100% converter interfaced generation; existing operational rules; network security; system stability need; converter controls; system services; 100% cig-based system; associated network locational issues; stable system; network studies; 100% converter-based power system; electricity generation; conventional generators; fossil fuels; current trends; installing renewable energy generation sources
• Online Access: https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/joe.2018.9253

Electricity generation is largely dominated by conventional generators powered by fossil fuels. However, current trends are shifting towards installing renewable energy generation sources, such as wind and solar. Modern wind generators employ a converter in order to feed the generated power into the grid at the fundamental grid frequency. A converter is also required for solar generation for the same reason, converting DC to AC. In a 100% converter interfaced generation (CIG) based grid the existing operational rules regarding network security and system stability need to be re-defined, whereby converter controls should be developed which replace the system services traditionally provided by synchronous machines. This paper highlights the challenges associated with operating a 100% CIG-based system and the associated network locational issues required to maintain a stable system.