System Synchronization Based on Complex Frequency

TL;DR

This paper introduces a complex frequency-based analysis framework for assessing synchronization stability in low-inertia power systems, addressing limitations of traditional frequency-only criteria amid increasing renewable energy integration.

Contribution

It develops a novel complex inertia index and dynamic criteria for complex synchronization, unifying frequency and voltage support evaluation in low-inertia systems.

Findings

The proposed method accurately reveals synchronization relationships.

Simulation validates the effectiveness of the complex frequency approach.

The framework aids in stability analysis and control design.

Abstract

The increasing penetration of renewable energy leads to a continuous reduction in system inertia, for which conventional synchronization criteria based solely on frequency consistency can no longer accurately capture the coupled dynamics of frequency and voltage during transients. To address this issue, this paper employs the concept of complex frequency and develops an analysis framework that integrates theory, indices, and simulation for assessing synchronization stability in low-inertia power systems. First, the basic concepts and mathematical formulation of complex frequency and complex-frequency synchronization are introduced. Then, dynamic criteria for local and global complex synchronization are established, upon which a complex inertia index is proposed. This index unifies the supporting role of traditional frequency inertia and the voltage support capability associated with voltage inertia, enabling quantitative evaluation of the strength of coordinated frequency-voltage support and disturbance rejection within a region. Finally, transient simulations on a modified IEEE 9-bus system are carried out to validate the proposed method. The results show that the method can clearly reveal the synchronization relationships between subnetworks and the overall system, providing a useful theoretical reference for stability analysis and control strategy design in low-inertia power systems.