Impact of synchronous condensers on voltage stability in systems with high renewable energy penetration

Abstract

The rapid integration of renewable energy sources (RES) poses significant challenges to power system reliability, particularly regarding voltage stability and reduced loadability margins. This study investigates the impact of synchronous condensers as a mitigation strategy to enhance stability in grids with high renewable penetration. The research objective is to evaluate how these devices influence loadability margins while considering the inherent stochastic nature of RES. The methodology employs PV curves for static voltage stability assessment, utilizing the 2m+1 point estimate method (PEM) to model uncertainty with high computational efficiency. This approach allows for the calculation of statistical indicators, including mean values, standard deviations, and confidence intervals for loadability margins. Simulations were conducted on the IEEE reliability test system (RTS) using NEPLAN360 software. The results demonstrate that the deployment of synchronous condensers (SCs) significantly improves voltage stability by increasing load margins and reducing the standard deviation of uncertainty. Conclusions indicate that these devices are effective reactive power compensators that provide a more robust operational environment against RES variability. Future research will focus on the optimal sizing and placement of these compensators to further maximize grid security.