Influence of synchronous condensers on small isolated power systems with large amount of renewable energy. A case study of the Lanzarote-Fuerteventura power system

Abstract

This work studies the influence of synchronous condensers (SC) on small, isolated power systems with high levels of wind power, trying to quantify it using the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), frequency nadir (f_nadir) and minimum voltage (U_min). Likewise, different values of the inertia constant of the SCs (H_SC) were studied. 

To this end, a model of the Lanzarote-Fuerteventura electric power system is used, which has proven to be a useful representation of this type of power system. Two SCs have been modelled, connected to the power system. They were modelled taking into account the characteristics of one SC that will be installed in the Lanzarote-Fuerteventura power system, according to the electric transmission network planning.

A transient stability analysis was conducted, where the considered disturbance was the disconnection of generation power, simulated by the disconnection of a conventional generation unit.

Results suggest significant, positive effects on the system frequency and voltage values of the transmission buses throughout the small, isolated power system. In this way SCs could contribute to both the transient stability and the integration of the renewable energy, in small, isolated power systems.