A novel methodology to detect and suppress low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) within smart grids using phasor measurement units (PMUs) and wide area monitoring systems (WAMS) has been developed. This research, led by Zuhaib, Rihan, Gupta, and collaborators, presents significant advancements for managing the stability of large interconnected power systems.
Timely detection and mitigation of low-frequency oscillations is necessary to maintain reliable power system operation. These oscillations, prevalent across major power grids including those of India, the United States, and China, can severely threaten system reliability
Typically categorized as forced oscillations or inter-area oscillations, each has distinct causes and impacts. Forced oscillations often arise from generator trips or control malfunctions, leading to rapid imbalances. Conversely, inter-area oscillations may stem from random load fluctuations or generation losses. Without effective suppression techniques, these oscillations can lead to catastrophic events like blackouts.
With the emergence of smart grids, the integration of WAMS and PMU technology has gained prominence to monitor, locate, and mitigate the effects of these oscillations. The proposed study utilizes advanced signal processing and control strategies, particularly the Proportional Resonant Power System Stabilizer (PR-PSS), to achieve suppression.
Using the Enhanced Empirical Mode Decomposition Algorithm with Adaptive Noise (ICEEMDAN), the researchers successfully identified the behavior and location of the oscillations, contributing to real-time operation improvements. These findings demonstrate the effective application of PR-PSS, which is shown to dampen both forced and inter-area oscillations.
The research results indicate substantial performance enhancements compared to conventional methods. By incorporating the PR-based control schemes, the damping of LFOs increased significantly, providing compelling evidence for the proposed methodologies' efficacy.
Overall, this breakthrough opens new avenues for ensuring the dynamic stability of modern power systems, especially as they continue to integrate renewable energy sources and face increased operational complexity. With major contributions from advanced control systems and real-time monitoring technologies, the future of power grid management looks promising.