Investigation & Modelling of Power System Fast Frequency Phenomena

Renewable generation has been growing at historically high rates over the last decade in the UK as well as other parts of the world. This rapid growth is predicted to continue at an increasing pace in order to achieve legally binding 2050 climate change targets as agreed for the UK. One important characteristic of this new generation is that it is connected through power electronic convertors and subsequently does not present any inertia to the power system. This has two important consequences at the system operational level:
1. When unavoidable disturbances occur on power systems, for example faults causing large generators or transmission lines to trip, these events lead to larger frequency fluctuations than in the past;
2. Compounding this operational challenge, the renewable generation itself is also more likely to trip as a result of the frequency fluctuation, either due to the rate of change of frequency (“ROCOF”) or the sudden change in phase angle (“vector shift”).
A particular focus of this project is the spatial behaviour of system frequency following a disturbance:
1. Mapping the spatial frequency disturbance from known disturbance locations (largest loss of generation or demand) onto the distribution of vulnerable renewable generation to predict the likely impact of typical events;
2. Developing operational procedures and measures that can be used in day-ahead and real-time operation to refine the application of the inertia management criteria.
Applicants should have a good honours degree in electronic and electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Ideal candidates would also have a strong personal interest in power systems and developing environmentally beneficial technology for the transmission and distribution of decarbonised electrical power.