Inverter-Based Resource Plants Operation in Combined Transmission-Distribution Weak Grids: A Case Study

• Published in: 2024 IEEE Power & Energy Society Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference (ISGT) pp. 1 - 5
• Main Authors: Arzani, Ali, Ramasubramanian, Deepak, Mitra, Parag
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 19-02-2024
• Subjects: Dynamic scheduling; Induction motor loads; Induction motors; Inverter-based resource; inverter-based resources; Monte-Carlo simulations; network strength; Power system dynamics; Power system stability; Stability analysis; transmission-distribution network; Voltage
• ISSN: 2472-8152
• DOI: 10.1109/ISGT59692.2024.10454221

This study investigates the operation of inverter-based resource (IBR) plants in a bulk power system, under different grid-strength conditions and for various penetration levels of static and dynamic loads. For this purpose, Monte-Carlo EMT simulations have been performed on a combined transmission-distribution network in PSCAD/EMTDC software. The four active distribution feeders are connected at different locations of the bulk power system. Each active distribution feeder comprises three-phase static and induction motor loads, single-phase and three-phase average-model distributed energy resources. The results show that operating the IBR plants in weak transmission-distribution networks leads to short-term voltage instability. But by increasing the induction motor loads share of the active distribution feeders total gross load, this IBR-driven instability phenomenon has been mitigated. As a result, this can improve weak transmission-distribution network operations that accommodate a high share of grid-following IBR plants.