In the heart of China’s Guangdong province, a team of researchers led by Wei Fan at the Electric Power Dispatching and Control Center of Guangdong Power Grid has uncovered critical insights into the behavior of power systems with high wind power penetration. Their work, published in the journal *Energies*, sheds light on the intricate dance between wind turbines and thermal power plants, a dance that can sometimes lead to ultra-low frequency oscillations (ULFOs) in the power grid.
As the world transitions towards sustainable energy, regional power grids with high wind power penetration are becoming increasingly common. However, integrating these renewable energy sources into the grid isn’t without its challenges. One such challenge is maintaining grid stability, particularly in terms of frequency regulation. Existing studies have primarily focused on hydro-dominated power systems, leaving a gap in understanding for systems where thermal power plants serve as synchronous sources.
Fan and his team set out to fill this gap, focusing on regional power grids where wind and thermal power generation coexist. Using eigenvalue analysis, they discovered that frequency regulation control of doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs), a common type of wind turbine, can indeed trigger ULFOs. “This was a significant finding,” Fan explains, “as it highlighted a potential stability issue that could arise in power systems with high wind power penetration.”
To further explore this phenomenon, the team developed an extended system frequency response (ESFR) model that incorporates DFIG frequency control. This model was rigorously validated across a range of operational scenarios, providing a robust tool for understanding and predicting ULFO behavior.
The research also delved into the role of inertia control in ULFO behavior. Through frequency-domain analysis, the team uncovered the underlying mechanisms by which inertia control affects ULFOs. Time-domain simulations were then conducted to validate the influence of DFIG control parameters on ULFOs.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As Wei Fan notes, “Understanding these dynamics is crucial for designing effective control strategies that can enhance grid stability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.” This work could shape future developments in grid management, particularly in regions with high wind power penetration.
The study, titled “Impact Mechanism Analysis of DFIG with Inertia Control on the Ultra-Low Frequency Oscillation of the Power System,” was published in the open-access journal *Energies*, making these valuable insights accessible to researchers and industry professionals worldwide. As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between different energy sources and the importance of understanding these dynamics for a stable and sustainable energy future.