Controlled Power System Separation Using Generator PMU Data and System Kinetic Energy

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel PMU-based detection method for generator rotor angle instability, enabling controlled power system separation to prevent blackouts, demonstrated on IEEE 39-bus system.

Contribution

It presents an integrated scheme combining loss of synchronism detection with controlled splitting techniques for improved system protection.

Findings

Effective detection of rotor angle instability over wide areas.

Successful demonstration on IEEE 39-bus system under various conditions.

Enhanced system resilience through integrated separation scheme.

Abstract

With the growing number of severe system disturbances and blackouts around the world, controlled system separation is becoming an increasingly important system integrity protection scheme (SIPS) to save the electric power system from a complete or partial disintegration. A successful controlled splitting approach should at least tackle the following two well-known and interrelated problems: "when to split?" and "where to split?". Multiple previous publications consider these problems separately, and even those pursuing a combined approach propose solutions with limited applicability. In this paper, we are proposing a novel PMU-based detector of loss of synchronism that utilizes generator rotor angles and speeds to promptly detect rotor angle instabilities over a wide area. Moreover, we are showing how our loss of synchronism detection principle can be coupled with the known controlled splitting techniques to form an integrated defense scheme against unintentional loss of synchronism. The performance of this wide-area SIPS is demonstrated on the IEEE 39-bus test power system for various types of unstable conditions.