Sub synchronous oscillations in modern transmission grids

Abstract

The ongoing energy transition results on the one hand in a proliferation of power electronics interfaced devices and on the other hand in a decreasing availability of conventional synchronous generation. These developments pose important challenges for transmission system operators to operate a low inertia power system. As part of my research I have created a list of 28 related challenges, validated by industry, that are grouped into three categories: (i) Reduced Voltage and Frequency Support, (ii) New Operation of the Power System and (iii) New Behaviour of the Power System. The focus of this research is on category (iii) and addresses the sub synchronous resonance (SSR) phenomenon between a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and a series compensated transmission line. This phenomenon is denoted as DFIG-SSR in this thesis. Failing to adequately address resonances results in among others degradation of the power quality, protection tripping, physical damage to power system equipment and ultimately instability in the power system. The main objective of this research is to investigate and validate the degree of effectiveness of the existing phase imbalance compensation concept, as well as to design and validate a new prediction gain scheduling control concept for mitigating DFIG-SSR. For these investigation, design and validation activities, electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation models of the DFIG wind turbine are developed using Power System Computer Aided Design (PSCAD). In line with common practice, the topology of the IEEE First Benchmark Model is used as a smallsize study model, whereas the larger IEEE 39-Bus Model is used for validation of the obtained results. The impedance based stability method is used to quantify the impact of potential mitigation solutions on DFIG-SSR...