FWF - SNYDER - VS generator system design to improve grid resilience

The future of power systems relies heavily on the successful integration of wind and pumped hydro variable-speed power plants the goal of which is twofold: to meet the requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to increase the target of renewable resources in the energy mix. Developing new generator system design approaches is of utmost importance to ensure reliable and resilient grid operation, i.e., power system stability. We will define “controllability metrics” to enhance the inertial frequency response of wind and pumped hydro variable-speed power plants, i.e., the ability of these plants to react quickly to short-term power imbalances in a controlled manner. We will include these metrics as additional criteria for the electro-magnetic design of converter-interfaced generators, which are used in such variable-speed power plants. Thus, the main objective is to unify the generator design techniques and the grids’ control demands to eventually improve grid resilience and thereby both grid reliability and power system stability. The results that are expected from the proposed joint research project will prove indispensable for the accelerated development of modern, resilient grids that will comprise a large share of renewable energy, as required by the various governmental regulations. Our unified approach to generator design and control theory will enable a significantly more straightforward integration of wind and pumped hydro variable-speed power plants in future power systems, leading to more profitable and thus even “greener” electric power generation without compromising grid reliability and resilience.