Investigating the impact of solar PV and wind energy systems on the strength of a longitudinal power grid
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Date
2024
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The integration of inverter-based generation (IBG), such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems, presents
unique challenges for power grid strength, especially in regions with limited conventional generation capacity.
This study investigates the impact of such integration on the strength of Nigeria’s power grid, focusing on
sparsely connected northern region with abundant renewable resources. Using the network response short-circuit
ratio (NRSCR) metric, which accounts for interactions between IBGs, we assess grid strength in three case studies.
Simulations were conducted with the Power System Simulation for Engineering (PSS®E) software. Static analysis
reveals inherent weakness in the northern region, characterized by low short-circuit capacity. Integrating IBGs at
nine strategic locations shows varying responses: strong buses (NRSCR > 10) adapt well, while weak buses
(NRSCR < 10), particularly in Kano and Katsina, constrain the operational capacity of the IBGs. Furthermore,
close interaction among IBGs at these locations significantly impacts the system’s dynamic response, although
planned addition of conventional generators offers marginal improvement. This work highlights the potential of
renewable resources to address energy shortages but also underscores the crucial need for detailed design studies
at each point of interconnection (PoI), considering the longitudinal grid layout in the northern region and potential
limitations imposed by IBG interactions. The findings also offer a structured approach that can be applied
to power grids with comparable IBG integration levels, similar to the energy landscape of Nigeria.
Description
Keywords
Renewable energy resources, Short-circuit ratio, Solar PV Grid strength, Voltage stability, Wind energy system