Impact of Inverter Based Resources on System Stability in Low Inertia Power System Network

Abstract

Inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as solar and wind power are gaining popularity because of their increasing acceptance, environmental benefits and decreasing costs. However, their integration into power systems can lead to significant impacts on system inertia and frequency stability, which are crucial for maintaining the reliability of the power grid. In traditional power systems, the synchronous generators provide inertia, which helps to stabilize the frequency of the system. However, IBRs do not have this inherent inertia, and their integration can result in a decrease in system inertia, leading to frequency instability. This is because IBRs are typically connected to the grid through power electronics, which can introduce additional control and communication delays that affect the system's response to disturbances.

To address this issue, various techniques have been proposed, such as virtual and synthetic inertia, to increase the effective inertia of IBRs. This thesis will cover the modeling of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Static Synchronous Condenser (STATCOM) into power systems using PSS/E software to improve the effective inertia of the system and voltage profile respectively, ensuring that the power grid operates with reliability and stability.