Analysis of the Influence of Network Structures on the Stability of Modern Power Systems

  • Jaime Trivino Bustamante

Student thesis: Phd

Abstract

Power systems are integrating a significant portion of converter interfaced generation at a growing rate, driven by major commitments to remove carbon emissions in producing electrical energy. Though the current generation landscape is changing, in developing countries generation is still dominated by conventional units; therefore, synchronous generators will continue to be relevant assets in the future. Furthermore, from a network perspective, the connection between systems is expanding; hence, the integration of distant areas will require significant transmission network reinforcements. Nevertheless, additional infrastructure will face growing environmental and budget restrictions; therefore, new approaches are needed to design flexible and cost-effective solutions, like using transmission lines as flexible assets, so that the network can adjust its structure to operate under an estimated condition. This work contributes to power systems stability research; particularly, it reveals how discrete topological changes can positively impact transient stability. A comprehensive study of the effect of line-switching actions on the impedance between generators and fault locations, and between generators, with further implications on transient stability was performed. Results based on small and realistic test systems revealed the impact of line-switching actions on transient stability behaviour. A novel optimisation method called transient stability and security constraint optimal power flow with switching was proposed. The optimisation method is based on a new multi-machine model with a structure-preserving network and line switching; moreover, the proposed method combines network metrics and other transient stability impact factors on a composite transient stability robustness metric, which serves as a fitness function to be used on an optimisation approach using a genetic algorithm. The main research output is given by the definition and comprehensive assessment of network metrics capable of quantifying the topological influence of the network structure on the first-swing transient stability behaviour of power systems. The undertaken research is relevant because it focuses not only on improving the flexibility of the current infrastructure but also addresses the transient stability problem, which is likely to remain one of the key stability areas in the following years.
Date of Award1 Aug 2023
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Manchester
SupervisorJovica Milanovic (Supervisor) & Victor Levi (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Transient stability
  • Line-switching actions
  • Network topology
  • Impedance-based distance

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