Decentralization can hinder frequency synchronization in power grids through multiple phase transitions

TL;DR

This paper reveals that increasing decentralization in power grids can cause complex phase transitions in frequency synchronization, challenging the assumption that decentralization always improves grid stability.

Contribution

It demonstrates through a second-order Kuramoto model that decentralization can induce non-monotonic and double phase transitions in frequency synchronization, contrary to common heuristics.

Findings

Decentralization can cause non-monotonic changes in synchronization thresholds.

Multiple phase transitions can occur due to decentralization.

Robustness of phenomena under asymmetric inertia and empirical distributions.

Abstract

Decarbonization is rapidly increasing the penetration of inverter-based renewables and other low-capacity generators, intensifying concerns about frequency synchronization in increasingly decentralized power grids. A common heuristic from Kuramoto onset theory and homogeneous parameter swing-equation models is that distributing generation across many smaller units reduces the effective heterogeneity of nodal injections (natural frequencies) and lowers the coupling required for synchronization. Here, using a second-order Kuramoto model, we investigate how decentralization affects frequency synchronization when inertia and damping scale with power generation and consumption. We find that decentralization does not always lower the critical frequency synchronization threshold. Instead, increasing decentralization can induce a non-monotonic dependence of the critical coupling strength and lead to a double phase transition in frequency synchronization. These behaviors remain robust under asymmetric inertia between consumers and generators. Even when empirical power-generation and power-consumption distributions are considered, a region in which the critical threshold remains nearly constant is observed as decentralization increases. Our results demonstrate that decentralization can give rise to complex collective dynamics and caution against assuming that decentralization alone ensures improved frequency synchronization.