article · IEEE Access
A framework based on reactive power-voltage relationships evaluates how individual power system buses experience voltage instability as renewable energy penetration increases. This approach relies on two newly formulated metrics: the Critical Voltage Sensitivity Index, which tracks changes in critical voltage levels, and the Critical Reactive Power Sensitivity Index, which quantifies the reactive power loss intolerance of each bus. Together, these indicators reveal the relative vulnerability of specific buses across an electricity network under higher shares of renewable generation. The methodology was tested through simulation studies on standard benchmark networks, specifically the IEEE 14-bus and New England 39-bus systems, using DIgSILENT PowerFactory and MATLAB. By mapping network sensitivities, the method identifies optimal network locations for installing large reactive loads or compensation hardware, such as Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems devices, to maintain voltage stability.
Adding more renewable energy to power grids can cause destabilising voltage fluctuations. Understanding which parts of the grid are most vulnerable helps network operators maintain reliable electricity supplies. By identifying sensitive nodes, utilities can deploy corrective equipment precisely where it is needed most, preventing potential power disruptions while accommodating higher levels of clean energy generation.
This framework could assist transmission system operators, utility planners, and grid software developers in pinpointing where to place voltage support equipment such as Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems. Tested in simulation environments using industry-standard tools, the research represents an applied, analytical stage of development. Moving towards practical use would require validation on actual utility networks and integration into commercial energy management or grid planning software platforms.
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In this work, a reactive power-voltage (QV)-based framework to evaluate the voltage instability sensitivities of power system buses to increase in renewable energy (RE) penetration has been developed using two sensitivity indices, namely, Critical Voltage Sensitivity Index (CVSI) and Critical Reactive Power Sensitivity Index (CQSI). The rise or fall in the critical voltage level is measured by CVSI and the reactive power loss intolerance of each bus is evaluated by the CQSI as the RE penetration level increases. The bus sensitivity analysis obtained from the CVSI and CQSI provides information on the voltage instability sensitivity of each power system bus to increase in RE penetration level. The proposed methodology has been evaluated using IEEE 14-bus system and New England 39-bus system. DIgSILENT PowerFactory was used to perform the simulations and Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) used to analyse the results. The sensitivity analysis of the buses can provide insights on the most suitable placement for large reactive loads or devices such as Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) as the RE penetration level (PL) increases.
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DOI: 10.1109/access.2020.2992194
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