Damping of power oscillations induced by photovoltaic plants using distributed series-connected FACTS devices

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the capability of distributed series-connected Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices in damping power oscillations. Large power systems have resonant frequencies which result from the electro-mechanical power balance equations of synchronous generators connected to the power network. Transient events that affect power flow, like the loss of a transmission line, switching of loads, changes in renewable energy output can excite these resonant frequencies, referred to as modes, leading to power oscillations within the network. This paper proposes a power oscillation damping (POD) controller using multiple Static Series Synchronous Compensators (SSSC) connected in series on a single transmission line. The power oscillation frequencies in New York Power Authority's (NYPA) three-bus power system network are identified using the Matrix Pencil method, and a controller is designed to block the most prominent frequencies from them. The controller is implemented in PSCAD to damp power oscillations in NYPA's network and its performance while damping power oscillations is recorded.