Control of Non-Synchronous Generating Plants to Improve Stability in Weak Grid Environments

Due to concerns about global warming, renewable energy sources, which are commonly inverter-based, are becoming more common. This research investigates how a power system can be stable with large amounts of renewable generation, and subsequently, lower inertia from synchronous machines. Due to having one of the largest percentages of renewable energy in Australia, a simplified model of the South Australian electricity network is developed as a case study in PSCAD. Simulations are run at varying inverter penetration levels to test the network stability under various disturbances. Inverter control methods are investigated in order to improve stability.