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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Frequency Stability Enhancement in a Fully Solar Power Grid: A Case Study on the Saudi Model

Recently, renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) have been recognized for their significant potential. Several studies have explored the issue of frequency stability with high RES penetration. A significant observation related to this issue is the decline in the weighted short circuit ratio (WSCR), which has the potential to adversely affect system stability. This research uniquely focuses on the gradual transition of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) system to a fully integrated solar PV grid, offering insight and methodology that can be adapted for other power systems. While a variety of mitigation methods are available, synchronous condensers (SC) were used in this study to stabilize grid frequency, and their implementation has been shown to improve the overall performance of the system. In response to the observed decline in WSCR, a comprehensive short circuit analysis was applied across all regions in the Saudi power grid model to evaluate the reduction in short circuit power and highlight areas requiring enhancement. Finally, scenarios illustrating frequency response with a gradual increase in SCR were analyzed, with the objective of establishing a stable, fully solar PV power system that is resilient to sudden power grid disturbances.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Improving Frequency Stability and Minimizing Load Shedding Events by Adopting Grid-Scale Energy Storage with Grid Forming Inverters

The upward adoption trend of renewable generation not only means cleaner energy integrated into modern power grids, but also that most new generation sources are based on front-end inverter bridges, used as interfaces to most wind generation and all the solar PV. It is well known that due to their power electronics-based construction rather than rotational shafts, these sources do not provide inertia inherently, nor substantial amounts of short-circuit currents. However, stable energy such as what can be stored in energy storage systems, although interfaced via inverters, can be controlled to respond to system disturbances in a manner that emulates inertial behavior. This paper focuses on the application of such energy storage systems to augment inertia in the island of Puerto Rico. To do so, a user defined inverter model that contains grid forming capabilities and fast frequency response is modeled and integrated into the real transmission system in power flow and dynamics software. Energy storage is then connected to two selected areas so that it not only provides frequency regulation to avoid widespread load shedding events, but also other tangible benefits. The simulated cases suggest that even relatively small energy storage systems can avert load shedding events if adequately placed in the transmission network.

Grid-forming inverters, IBR, Inertia↗
DOE OSTI2022

Deep Learning Based Frequency Stability Assessment in Power Grid with High Renewables

Frequency stability assessment is one critical aspect of power system security assessment. Traditional N-1 screening method is based on the simulations of a few typical daily and seasonal operation scenarios. However, the increasing integration of inverter-based renewables and the retirement of conventional synchronous generators result in decreasing system inertia and growing complexity of system operating conditions. Selecting a few typical operation scenarios cannot cover all operating conditions, and the time-domain simulation of all operation conditions requires tremendous time. This paper proposes a more efficient frequency stability assessment method based on deep learning. The affinity propagation clustering algorithm is used to divide the dataset into different clusters, so the selected dataset for training can cover the diversified operating conditions as much as possible. Also, feature normalization is applied to both the training dataset and testing dataset in order to remove any unnecessary bias. Especially, trained model based on full dataset normalization has bounded error in the prediction. The case study on the reduced 240-bus WECC system demonstrates that the proposed method can predict accurate frequency nadir with limited training dataset. The deep learning model using the revised feature normalization can predict more accurate frequency nadir than that using the traditional feature normalization and has very small maximum prediction error.

affinity propagation↗
DOE OSTI2023

Developing Frequency Stability Constraint for Unit Commitment Problem Considering High Penetration of Renewables

As zero-carbon electricity systems become the trend of future grid, the system inertia provided by conventional synchronous generators (SGs) keeps decreasing. The resultant lower system inertia will inevitably cause frequency stability problem, especially in the first few seconds following disturbance. To tackle this challenge, this paper proposes a frequency stability constraint for power systems unit commitment problem by considering the fast frequency responses (FFRs) from inverter-based resources (IBRs). Our developed frequency stability constraint is grounded on an analytical frequency nadir estimation framework that considers both SG and IBR dynamics. The accuracy of our frequency nadir estimation framework is validated by most severe N-1 contingency simulation result in a real island system. Then, the adaptive inertia frequency stability constraint is derived by performing sensitivity analysis with our frequency nadir estimation framework. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our developed frequency stability constraint with one year day-ahead unit commitment results of the island system.

fast frequency response↗
DOE OSTI2023

Developing Frequency Stability Constraint for Unit Commitment Problem Considering High Penetration of Renewables: Preprint

As zero-carbon electricity systems become the trend of future grid, the system inertia provided by conventional synchronous generators (SGs) keeps decreasing. The resultant lower system inertia will inevitably cause frequency stability problem, especially in the first few seconds after disturbance. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a frequency stability unit commitment constraint considering the fast frequency responses (FFRs) from inverter-based resources (IBRs). Thus, this paper first analyzes a frequency nadir differential equation that considers SG governor model and three kinds of FFR provided by IBRs. A system frequency nadir estimation framework is developed with consideration of various conventional SG and IBR models. The accuracy of this frequency estimation framework is validated by largest N-1 contingency simulation result of a real island system. Then, the adaptive inertia frequency stability unit commitment constraint is derived from sensitivity analysis method. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our developed constraints with one year day-ahead unit commitment results of the real island system.

fast frequency response↗
DOE OSTI2025

Small-Signal Stability of Grid-Forming Inverters Using Current-Limiting and Frequency Stabilization

This paper presents a small-signal stability analysis of grid-forming (GFM) inverters under current-limiting conditions. It examines how adjustments in virtual impedance angles, implemented through advanced current-limiting and frequency stabilization techniques, influence small-signal stability. This paper studies a GFM inverter control integrating a fictitious power technique stabilizing primary control by adding a virtual power term and a hybrid current limiter integrating virtual impedance in the anti-wind-up feedback with current reference saturation limiting. A small-signal model is developed to assess the impact of virtual impedance angles on GFM inverter dynamics during grid disturbances, such as voltage drops. The findings indicate that although increasing the virtual impedance angle (to make it more inductive) enhances large-signal stability and voltage support during faults, it can induce oscillations and lead to instability if the angle exceeds certain thresholds. Based on the small-signal models, this paper provides design considerations for the current-limiter impedances to ensure reliable GFM inverter behavior under grid disturbances while maintaining small-signal stability.

current limiting↗
DOE OSTI2024

Extraordinary frequency stabilization by resonant nonlinear mode coupling

Here, we show that a self-sustained oscillator with a frequency-selective element operating with two nonlinearly coupled modes can achieve a level of frequency stability well beyond that available using single-mode operation. The system of interest consists of a self-sustained oscillator based on a nonlinear primary mode that is coupled via an internal resonance to a passive secondary mode. Analysis of a generic model for this resonance with both additive and multiplicative noises reveals that the stability improvements accrue from two sources: (i) nonlinear frequency veering in the primary mode, a classical analogue to quantum-level repulsion, that eliminates amplitude-to-frequency noise conversion; and (ii) phase cleaning of the oscillator through an intrinsic phase constraint arising from synchronization of the modes. This latter effect can significantly reduce the effects of intrinsic frequency fluctuations of the primary mode, which are not accessible by any known strategy using single-mode operation. The theoretical predictions are supported by experimental measurements of a microelectromechanical systems-based oscillator that demonstrate a reduction in oscillator line width of several orders of magnitude. This approach offers a means of optimizing frequency stability in self-sustained oscillators, which has direct implications for applications in timekeeping and sensing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hierarchical Power Flow Control in Smart Grids: Enhancing Rotor Angle and Frequency Stability with Demand-Side Flexibility

Large-scale integration of renewables in power systems gives rise to new challenges for keeping synchronization and frequency stability in volatile and uncertain power flow states. To ensure the safety of operation, the system must maintain adequate disturbance rejection capability at the time scales of both rotor angle and system frequency dynamics. This calls for flexibility to be exploited on both the generation and demand sides, compensating volatility and ensuring stability at the two separate time scales. This article proposes a hierarchical power flow control architecture that involves both transmission and distribution networks as well as individual buildings to enhance both small-signal rotor angle stability and frequency stability of the transmission network. The proposed architecture consists of a transmission-level optimizer enhancing system damping ratios, a distribution-level controller following transmission commands and providing frequency support, and a building-level scheduler accounting for quality of service and following the distribution-level targets. Furthermore, we validate the feasibility and performance of the whole control architecture through real-time hardware-in-loop tests involving real-world transmission and distribution network models along with real devices at the Stone Edge Farm Microgrid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Using Distributed Dynamic Voltage Restorers to Improve the Frequency Stability of Low-Inertia Networked Microgrids

This paper elucidates the novel concept of using distributed dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs), which are traditionally used to compensate for voltage sags, to improve the frequency stability of low-inertia networked microgrids. During frequency transients, the distributed DVRs rapidly regulate load voltages within an acceptable range, resulting in a fast change of load power consumption and helping improve frequency stability. To enable large-scale network simulation, a phasor-based model of DVRs is developed and validated against real data from a commercially available device. Finally, simulation results of a modified IEEE 123-node test feeder that comprises three microgrids and six DVRs verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Du, Wei↗
DOE OSTI2023

Proactive Frequency Stability Scheme: A Distributed Framework Based on Particle Filters and Synchrophasors

The reactive nature of traditional under-frequency load shedding schemes can lead to delayed response and unnecessary loss of load. This work presents a proactive framework for power system frequency stability. Bayesian filters and synchrophasors are leveraged to produce predictions after disturbances are detected. By being able to estimate the future state of frequency corrective actions can be taken before the system reaches a critical condition. This proactive approach makes it possible to optimize the response to a disturbance, which results in a decrease in the amount of compensation utilized. The framework is tested via Matlab simulations based on Kundur’s Two-Area System, and the IEEE 14-Bus System. Performance metrics are provided and evaluated against other contemporary solutions found in literature. During testing this framework outperformed other solutions by drastically reducing the amount of load dropped during compensation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Using distributed power electronics-based devices to improve the voltage and frequency stability of distribution systems

Methods include, in response to a line frequency variation of a power grid, adjusting a voltage setpoint of a voltage regulator coupled to the power grid at a grid edge to maintain a voltage at the grid edge, wherein the adjusting the regulated voltage setpoint is configured to reduce the line frequency variation to stabilize the line frequency of the power grid. Apparatus include a voltage regulator configured to couple to a power grid at a grid edge and to maintain a voltage at the grid edge, wherein the voltage regulator is further configured to adjust a voltage setpoint of a voltage regulator in response to a line frequency variation of the power grid to reduce the line frequency variation and stabilize the line frequency of the power grid.

Du, Wei↗
DOE OSTI2020

Active Damping With Energy Storage to Improve Power System Frequency Stability

As renewable resources displace traditional generation, there may be times when there is relatively less rotational inertia (H, MW-s) to stabilize power system frequency following a power system disturbance. This article outlines a method for the control of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to mitigate power system frequency disturbances. The control scheme discussed in the article leverages latest ‘smart grid’ technologies including PMU’s and advanced grid-supportive inverters. The authors’ screening-level analysis of this novel BESS control concept indicates the potential to increase the speed of recovery of disturbed power systems, i.e. return power system frequency to nominal value (60 Hz in N. America), following a system disturbance. Increasing power system stability by adding inertial-support from appropriately controlled BESS will help power systems accommodate more renewable generation before hitting stability limits.

Energy Storage↗
DOE OSTI2024

Microgrid Frequency Stability: A Proactive Scheme Based on Dynamic Predictions

The dynamic nature of microgrids introduces challenges in the context of frequency stability. This work presents a framework where the future state of microgrid frequency is predicted and corrective actions are optimized. Predictions are generated through Bayesian filters leveraging synchronized data acquired via PMUs. Taking a proactive approach makes it possible to optimize corrective actions considering dynamic system conditions. Testing is conducted via Matlab simulations. The performance of the solution presented in this work is compared to traditional load-shedding schemes and to predictive solutions found in literature. The results indicate that the proposed framework outperforms both. Some of the advantages of this framework include a reduction in amount of load dropped during compensation, the use of adaptive parameters which eliminates the need to simulate contingency conditions, and dynamic uncertainty quantification provided the particle filter.

Paramo, Gian↗
DOE OSTI2023

Frequency stability of the SRF cavities (microphonics)

There are several proposed experiments to search for Dark Matter that will utilize SRF cavities submerged into liquid Helium. Extremely narrow bandwidth of SRF cavities (<1 Hz) and requirements for cavity frequency stability will be obligated special measures to mitigate any vibrations from external sources that will be penetrated and re-tuned cavity. In the talk recent FNAL experience of measuring microphonics of SRF cavities used for Dark Photon experiment will be presented. FNAL’s program to mitigate SRF cavity microphonics (in passive and active way) will be presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Low-Frequency Stability Analysis of Inverter-Based Islanded Multiple-Bus AC Microgrids Based on Terminal Characteristics

For system planning of three-phase inverter-based islanded ac microgrids, the low frequency instability issue caused by interactions of inverter droop controllers is a major concern. When internal control information of procured commercial inverters is unknown, impedance-based small-signal stability criteria facilitate prediction of resonances in medium and high frequency ranges, but they usually assume the grid fundamental frequency as constant and thus they are incapable of analyzing the low-frequency oscillation of the fundamental frequency in islanded microgrids. Aiming at solving this issue, this paper proposes two stability analysis methods based on terminal characteristics of inverters and passive connection network including the dynamics of the fundamental frequency for analysis of low-frequency stability in islanded multiple-bus microgrids. Based on the Component Connection Method (CCM) to systematically separate inverters from the passive connection network, a general approach is developed to model the microgrid as a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) negative feedback system in the common system d-q reference frame. By applying the generalized Nyquist stability criterion (GNC) to the return-ratio and return-difference matrices of the MIMO system model, the low-frequency stability related to the fundamental frequency can be analyzed using the measured terminal characteristics of inverters. Finally, analysis and simulation of a 37-bus microgrid verify the effectiveness of the proposed stability analysis methods.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Software Control Program For Transportable Microgrid State-of-charge Balancing And Frequency Stability Controls

A deterministic state-of-charge (SOC) balancing approach software control code is introduced as an integral secondary management to primary control layer of an islanded small microgrid or nanogrid system made up of multiple grid-forming inverter/battery/solar combination systems, where each set of batteries with each inverter are on independent DC buses (i.e. non-paralleled on the DC sides). A DERMS-level control approach, algorithm and automation controller program was developed to improve coordination and enable microgrid asset compliance and SOC balancing, enabling provision of a system-level power stability support architecture, load support, and asset scalability. The architecture is configured to treat each unit or micro/nano-grid as a node in a microgrid network, allowing for autonomous DERMS control regarding load and SOC balancing and power stability. As the network grows with the addition of units, greater coordination efforts may be required. The ideal small network microgrid ranges from 2-10 inverter/battery units before additional control parameters must be considered in the existing architecture. The control approach focuses on a deterministic state-of-charge analysis as the primary level control process followed by a secondary control loop using a forced frequency-watt droop strategy to conform off-the-shelf components into behaving under a leader-follower configuration. Adopting this control scheme has been shown to allow for a balanced, unit-coordinated microgrid network, enabling stable power flow. The deterministic state-of-charge approach is introduced as an integral primary control layer of an islanded small network microgrid. A standard strategy for SOC balancing is implementing a battery management system (BMS) to control SOC on the DC side. An alternative approach is to determine how to coordinate sending and receiving power on the AC side with multiple units. The latter approach assesses all the integrated units in the microgrid network. Once the individual units are identified, further system data is required to calculate each unit's total kWh, provided information about its capability to supply or consume kWh and availability. The secondary control layer in the multi-layered small network microgrid methodology uses the primary layer’s decision to initiate frequency setpoint changes, initializing the SOC balancing. The secondary control layer considers numerous system-dependent variables to enable a charging and discharging profile based on adjustable frequency setpoints. The combined architecture will result in stable, coordinated power flow enhancing an AC microgrid's functionalities.

Myers, KurtS [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Ida↗