Evaluating influence of inverter-based resources on system strength considering inverter interaction level

Abstract

The penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) equipped with inverter-based control systems such as wind and solar plants are increasing. Therefore, the speed of the voltage controllers associated with inverter-based resources (IBRs) has a substantial impact on the stability of the interconnected grid. System strength evaluation is one of the important concerns in the integration of IBRs, and this strength is often evaluated in terms of the short circuit ratio (SCR) index. When IBRs are installed in an adjacent location, system strength can be weaker than evaluation by SCR. This study proposes an inverter interaction level short circuit ratio (IILSCR) method by tracing IBRs output flow. The IILSCR can accurately estimate system strength, wherein IBRs are connected in adjacent spots, by reflecting the interaction level between IBRs. The study also demonstrates the efficiency of IILSCR by applying this method to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 39 bus test system and future Korea power systems. © 2020 by the authors.