Effect of inertia heterogeneity on frequency dynamics of low‐inertia power systems

Abstract

Based on fundamental dynamic simulation principles and illustrative case studies, this study aims to identify key changes in the dynamic behaviour of the system due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) affecting frequency dynamics and provide guidelines for performing frequency stability analysis in low-inertia power systems with a large penetration of RES. First, a critical comparison of the frequency responses obtained using a system equivalent model and a detailed dynamic model following an active power disturbance are presented. It is then demonstrated, using detailed dynamic models of two multi-area systems, such that when the proportion of RES prevails over the share of synchronous generator (SG), the dynamic coupling among areas (even separated by short-medium length lines) reduces and the inertia of the system should be considered as heterogeneous instead of a global parameter. Following this, the study discusses how frequency dynamics may be strongly and complexly affected by the physical characteristics of converter-connected generation leading to increased frequency and voltage interactions when the proportion of converter connected RES becomes greater than SG. The resulting changes in the system's dynamic behaviour due to frequency and voltage interactions can increase the actual active power imbalance size following a credible contingency so that careful considerations to protect the system against an excessively high rate of change of frequency should be made. In order to evaluate the extent of this change in system dynamic behaviour, an appropriate dynamic model of the network should be used with adequate multi-area representation of RES and loads.