Comparative analysis of power system operation comparing angle-based control and load frequency control from operational perspective

Abstract:
As the adoption of renewable energy sources accelerates to support the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system, traditional power plants are being progressively replaced by wind and photovoltaic systems. These renewable energy systems are integrated into the power grid through power converters. Unlike synchronous generators, these converters lack physical inertia, which poses challenges for maintaining the stability and security of the power grid. To ensure a safe operation of the power system, a perspective modification of the power system operation is necessary to accommodate the new conditions. One potential approach to operating future power systems is the use of voltage angle control as an alternative to traditional load frequency control. This paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of primary control methods, comparing load frequency control with synchronous generators to angle-based control using grid-forming converters. The study includes RMS simulations for 440 different load increase scenarios and the results are evaluated based on indices, including line and transformer loading and a new defined Index for balancing power allocation.