Optimizing resilience in large-scale integration of renewable energy sources: Exploring the role of STATCOM device
Optimizing resilience in large-scale integration of renewable energy sources: Exploring the role of STATCOM device
Corresponding Author:
Chelladurai Chandrahasan
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute
Chennai, India
Email: [email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION
The demand for electricity is rising worldwide, driven by the rapid growth of population and
technological advancements, which contribute to environmental pollution conditions [1], [2]. In particular,
power generation relying on fossil fuels contributes to the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions, leading to
adverse effects on climatic conditions attributable to pollution particles [3], [4]. This underscores the growing
importance of integrating renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, into the extra high voltage
(EHV) grids. Tamil Nadu's EHV grid, managed by the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Limited, plays
a crucial role in this transition. However, the influx of renewables poses challenges to grid stability. This
research investigates the impact of renewable energy on Tamil Nadu's EHV grid, aiming to identify current
issues and potential solutions to facilitate smooth integration. Tamil Nadu stands out as a major energy
producer in India, with an energy mix spanning from traditional thermal to renewable sources like wind and
solar. By 2023, its installed capacity exceeds 38,000 MW [5], as show in Figure 1.
Tamil Nadu aims to significantly increase its reliance on green energy, targeting 50% of its grid to be
powered by renewables by 2030, as per the 2023-2024 government budgets [6]. This ambition coincides with
a surge in energy consumption, reaching around 18,000 MW. To meet this growing demand, Tamil Nadu plans
to boost its installed power generation capacity by an impressive 33,000 MW by 2030, primarily through
renewable sources. The plan involves harnessing the state's substantial renewable potential, including 20 GW
from solar energy, 70 GW from onshore wind energy, and 30 GW from offshore wind energy.
Wind energy-a driving force: Tamil Nadu's landscape is a testament to its remarkable wind energy
potential, especially in the Western Ghats. This region benefits from consistently high wind speeds, averaging
between 6.5 to 7.5 meters per second at a 100 m hub height. Areas like Shencottah, Aralvaimozhi, Cumbum,
and Palghat consistently experience strong winds, as shown in Figure 2 [7]. Tamil Nadu's installed wind power
capacity is a significant contributor to India's total wind energy production. To achieve its ambitious goal of
70 GW from wind energy, the state plans to introduce a new policy focused on re-powering existing windmills
to maximize the region's wind resources.
Exploring offshore wind-a game changer: beyond onshore wind potential, Tamil Nadu's extensive
coastline presents substantial offshore wind energy prospects [8]. These untapped offshore wind resources
represent a frontier of opportunity for realizing the green grid vision. Leveraging offshore wind can enhance
energy generation and diversify the renewable energy mix, ensuring grid resilience. With its strong wind
profile, Tamil Nadu has the potential to generate several gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity. However,
ensuring the reliability of the network is increasingly challenging, especially concerning the planning and
operation aspects [9], [10].
Solar parks illuminating the future: Tamil Nadu's solar energy potential is equally compelling, thanks
to its equatorial location. The state receives approximately 5-6 kWh/m²/day of solar insolation on average. This
abundant solar resource can be harnessed through the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on various
surfaces, including ground-mounted solar farms, rooftops, and industrial facilities. Regions like Kamuthi,
Vellore, Sivaganga, Madurai, Ramnad, and Tirunelveli benefit from ample sunshine, making them ideal for
large-scale solar installations [11]. Solar parks in these areas not only capture solar power but also support
energy self-sufficiency and align with the state's clean energy goals.
Figure 2. Key wind passes in Tamil Nadu (Global Wind Atlas – September 2023)
Integrating substantial renewable energy requires detailed planning, stability analysis, and
contingencies assessment to ensure grid resilience and reliability. These analyses identify challenges and
develop strategies for a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions. However, these challenges also bring
opportunities, such as job creation, reduced water consumption, enhanced energy security, and alignment with
climate goals. Strategic investments in renewable energy infrastructure, power evacuation, and grid balancing
are essential. Tamil Nadu's commitment to a 50% green grid by 2030 reflects its dedication to climate
mitigation and environmental stewardship. This endeavor extends beyond regional boundaries, serving as an
example in the global fight against climate change by reducing emissions and fossil fuel reliance, aligning with
international climate agreements, and inspiring other regions to follow suit.
Based on the introduction, the motivations of this work are listed: i) Recognizing issues in power grids
with high renewable energy integration, including voltage, frequency, and power fluctuations that lead to
instability; ii) Concentrating on the specific challenges and dynamics of Tamil Nadu’s extra high voltage
transmission system, which features significant wind generation; iii) Investigating the consequences of
integrating large-scale renewable energy sources, with a particular emphasis on wind and solar, to understand
their effects on grid stability; and iv) Proposing the implementation of static synchronous compensators
(STATCOM), a FACTS technology, to actively monitor and control the grid and ensure stability under
unpredictable renewable energy conditions. The remaining of the article is organized as: i) Robust literature
survey attesting the scope of research and key findings is given in section 2; ii) Modelling of the test case is
illustrated in section 3; iii) Results and discussions describing the core outcomes is illustrated in section 4;
finally; and iv) Based on the attained outcomes, conclusions are given in section 5.
3. METHODOLOGY
The research focuses on Tamil Nadu's 400 kV Kayathar pooling substation, a pivotal RES integration
hub. Utilizing real-world wind data, the model was developed with "Power World" software. The substation
includes 8×400 kV, 11×230 kV, and 3×110 kV feeders, along with two 315MVA Auto-transformers for the
230 kV network and one 200 MVA unit for the 110 kV side. The system incorporates an 820 MW wind
generation capacity from seven wind farms and a 50 MW solar plant connected to the 230 kV and 110 kV
buses, as show in Figure 3 (see in Appendix). Wind farm feeders employ the induction generator model,
capturing real-world variability and responses. The 400 kV feeders serve as a key link to the wider power grid,
facilitating the study of transient behaviors. The model includes the connection of 5×210 MW generators from
the Tuticorin thermal power station to the 230 kV bus. System metrics, encompassing fault levels, system
characteristics, synchronous generators, transformers, and feeder specifications, draw from field survey data,
ensuring realism, and accuracy.
Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst, Vol. 15, No. 3, September 2024: 1468-1478
Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst ISSN: 2088-8694 1471
Table 3. Details of load demand accounted for the subject study case
Load details Line type per kM impedance Distance in KM MW MVAr
230kV ANUPM# Zebra 0.08+0.4i 65 100 48
230kV MDU# Zebra 0.08+0.4i 125 81 38
230kV TMPT# Zebra 0.08+0.4i 22 51 25
230kV KYTH#1 Zebra 0.08+0.4i 12 60 29
230kV KYTH#2 Zebra 0.08+0.4i 12 60 29
230kV TTN# Zebra 0.08+0.4i 56.24 1200 506
Total 1552 675
Figure 4. Plot of rotor angle stability of synchronous generators–1 & 2 for base case vs STATCOM
Figure 6. Plot of rotor angle synchronous generators–1 for base case vs STATCOM
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The charts depict the system's response to a 3-phase fault on 230 kV Feeder #1. At the fault's onset,
there is a notable voltage drop at the 230 kV reference bus, accompanied by significant changes in the rotor
angle of the reference synchronous generator. These changes result in fluctuations in both active and reactive
power, impacting the generator's speed. Without STATCOM, these fluctuations render the system unstable.
However, with STATCOM in place, it promptly supplies the necessary reactive power, stabilizing the voltage.
This rapid STATCOM action prevents substantial voltage drops and reduces fluctuations, and restoring system
stability. After resolving the fault, the system returns to its pre-fault state, highlighting the effectiveness of the
exciter system and STATCOM in maintaining stability during significant issues.
Figure 8. Plot of rotor angle stability of synchronous generators–1 for base case vs STATCOM
Figure 10. Plot of rotor angle stability of synchronous generators–1 for base case vs STATCOM
In this case, the plots elucidate the system's behavior in the presence of a three-phase fault at the
remote terminal of the wind farm bus. Following the initiation of this disturbance, there's a significant reduction
in voltage at the wind farm bus, accompanied by a pronounced deviation in the rotor angle of the primary
generator. As a consequence, both active and reactive power levels exhibit notable fluctuations, influencing
the operational speed of the generator. In the absence of STATCOM, the system demonstrates instability.
However, with STATCOM integrated, it responds promptly, supplying the requisite reactive power to maintain
voltage stability. Due to STATCOM's intervention, severe voltage reductions are mitigated and the system's
stability is restored. Once the fault is rectified, system parameters revert to their baseline levels, underscoring
the indispensable roles of both STATCOM and the exciter system in managing such disruptions. This
comprehensive stability analysis enhances our understanding of system behavior during critical disturbances.
STATCOM's introduction significantly improves the power system's resilience by rapidly injecting reactive
power during contingencies, maintaining voltage levels within desired limits, dampening oscillations, and
providing dynamic support during transient events. These capabilities ensure the system's return to stability
after disruptions, underscoring STATCOM's effectiveness in strengthening grid stability and addressing
identified vulnerabilities. The summarized results are in Table 4.
This work introduces several novel aspects in addressing the challenges posed by high renewable
energy integration in modern power grids, with a particular focus on the extra high voltage transmission system
in Tamil Nadu. By tailoring the investigation to this specific regional context, the research underscores the
importance of developing region-specific strategies to effectively manage the complexities associated with
renewable energy sources. A key contribution is the implementation of static synchronous compensators
(STATCOM) as part of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS). This dynamic technology
actively monitors and controls the grid, offering a novel approach to ensuring stability under the unpredictable
conditions associated with renewable energy. Furthermore, the study pioneers a comprehensive impact
assessment, emphasizing the dynamics of large-scale integration of renewable sources, especially wind and
solar. Resilience testing under diverse scenarios, including sudden losses of significant power generators or the
entire renewable energy supply, provides a unique perspective on the system's robustness. Additionally, the
research introduces a real-time monitoring and control approach to maintain grid stability, addressing
uncertainties inherent in renewable energy sources. Overall, the study proposes a novel framework that strives
to balance sustainability and reliability, fortifying grid stability while accommodating increased renewable
energy without compromising efficiency or dependability.
5. CONCLUSION
The simulations in various scenarios emphasize STATCOM's crucial role in enhancing power system
stability. In each case, STATCOM significantly improved system resilience, whether by swiftly compensating
for reactive power loss after a generator failure or providing dynamic voltage support during a fault. Notably,
in highly disruptive events like three-phase faults, STATCOM transformed potentially unstable scenarios into
stable ones. Its integration into power grids with substantial renewable energy is indispensable. Looking ahead,
further research can explore advanced control strategies for devices like STATCOM in renewable-rich grids.
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Analyzing STATCOM's synergy with other compensatory devices and assessing both technical and economic
dimensions are essential for developing adaptable and efficient power grids to meet evolving energy demands.
APPENDIX
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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS
Edwin Sheeba Percis obtained her B.E. from Madras University and M.E. from
Anna University. She received her Ph.D. degree from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research
Institute. Her specialization in PG is Power Electronics and Drives. Her research interests
include renewable energy technology, power system simulation studies, power electronics,
transmission and distribution. She is presently working as a professor of the Electrical and
Electronics Engineering Department at Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. She has a strong association with the Ministry of Rural
Development, Government of India, for the implementation of the DDU-GKY scheme in the
state of Tamilnadu through an 8.83 crore funded project as project head and authorized
signatory. She can be contacted at email: [email protected].