Power Systems Stability Analysis
Power system stability refers to the ability of synchronous machines to move from one steady-state operating point following a disturbance to another steady-state operating point, without losing synchronism. There are three types of power system stability:
- Steady-state stability
- Transient stability
- Dynamic stability
Steady-state stability involves slow or gradual changes in operating points. Steady-state stability studies (load flow analysis) ensure that phase angles across transmission lines are not too large, that bus voltages are close to nominal values, and that generators, transmission lines, transformers, and other equipment are not overloaded.
Transient stability involves major disturbances such as loss of generation, line-switching operations, faults, and sudden load changes. Following a disturbance, synchronous machine frequencies undergo transient deviations from synchronous frequency and machine power angles change. The objective of a transient stability study is to determine whether or not the machines will return to synchronous frequency with new steady-state power angles. Changes in power flows and bus voltages are also of concern.
Dynamic stability involves an even longer time period, typically several minutes. It is possible for controls to affect dynamic stability even though transient stability is maintained. The action of turbine-governors, excitation systems, tap-changing transformers, and controls from a power system dispatch center can interact to stabilize or destabilize a power system several minutes after a disturbance has occurred.
As TTM Energy, we analyze all three conditions for the stability of power systems.