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Project information

Counteracting the REduction of Synchronous Inertia in Power Systems: Diagnosis and optimal deployment of solutions (PID2021-125628OB-C21)

A. García-Cerrada F.M. Echavarren F. Fernández-Bernal L. Rouco E. Lobato I. Egido A. Ortega R. Ávila-Martínez J. Suárez Porras

September 2022 - August 2025

Funding entity MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE

Participated by Universidad de Alcalá de Henares


Modern power systems are characterised by (a) a gradual reduction of the number of synchronous generators powered by fossil or nuclear (fully controllable!) fuels; (b) proliferation of fast acting and smart generation units; (c) proliferation of renewable resources, not always fully controllable (wind and solar are two clear examples); and (d) proliferation of smart and robust loads.
The main objective of the coordinated project (with Comillas [SP1] and Uni. de Alcalá [SP2]) is the comprehensive and holistic analysis and design of modern frequency-control-proving solutions in power systems with a high penetration of renewable resources with no inertia. First subproject (SP1) will review the concept of inertia in modern power systems and its importance in frequency and angle stability, with special attention to modern technology scenarios. Along these lines, SP1 will firstly review the concept of inertia in grid codes. Secondly, it will review currently used inertia estimation techniques. Since nowadays it seems that frequency does not change uniformly across the power system any more, SP1 will investigate inertia global estimation and estimation at bus level. Thirdly, the project will study algorithms to control variable inertial levels across the power system taking advantage of the flexibility of electronic generation and modern energy storage systems such as batteries or supercapacitors. Finally, SP1 will set up an experimental test rig to validate the most important contributions. The test rig will be integrated in the Electric Machine Laboratory of ICAI School of Engineering (Comillas) where several motor+synchronous generator groups are being prepared to have speed and voltage control. Unlike in SP2, the experimental focus will be placed on a system-wide approach.


Project PID2021-1-125628OB-C21 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF/EU.


Layman's summary: The main objective of the coordinated project (with Comillas [SP1] and Uni. de Alcalá [SP2]) is the comprehensive and holistic analysis and design of modern frequency-control-proving solutions (mainly with the contribution of electronic power converters) in power systems with a high penetration of renewable resources with no inertia.



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