Renewable Energy Integration and Frequency Stability in Modern Power Systems

• The power system is shifting toward renewable energy sources, which is driving significant changes. While this energy transition offers many advantages, it also presents various challenges. One of the most critical stability issues is frequency stability. To address these problems, our group is conducting research to analyze the characteristics of the modern power system and uncover the close relationship between key power system factors and frequency stability. This includes practical power system modeling of both mainland Korea and Jeju Island.

• The modern power system differs significantly from traditional systems, and one of the most important issues is the shift in the types of power generation units. Thus, our group is conducting research on optimizing the operation of conventional synchronous generators, developing control methods for renewable energy, and analyzing the characteristics of behind-the-meter units.

Modeling Practical Power System and Control Methods for Renewable Energies: 

• Practical power system analysis is a crucial task in power system engineering. In Korea, both the mainland and Jeju Island have distinct regional characterisics. Also, this type of analysis must incorporate operational and planning data. Therefore, our group concentrates on modeling practical power systems and verifying control methods through these practical system models.

• Among renewable energy sources, wind power plants will not only generate electricity but also provide various ancillary services. Although renewable energy sources are decoupled from the power system, wind power plants possess inertial energy in their rotors, allowing them to contribute to frequency response. Our group is developing various control methods, including inertial control and fast frequency control, for wind power plants.

Roles of Diverse Generation Units in Maintaining Power System Stability

• In modern power systems, various types of generation units, including conventional synchronous generators, renewable energy sources, and energy storage systems, will participate in system operation. Thus, in addition to power generation, these units will provide ancillary services such as supporting frequency stability. While only synchronous generators were historically involved in the ancillary services market, the modern market will now include a broader range of generation units.

• In our research group, we are analyzing the differences in how each generation unit contributes to frequency stability. Additionally, we are evaluating and calculating the contribution rates of each type of generation unit in maintaining overall power system stability.

Enhancing Restoration Plans and Optimization Strategies in Modern Power System Operations

• System operators must always be prepared for emergencies, and in power system operation, restoration plans play a critical role in such situations. In conventional restoration plans, the main objective was to minimize restoration time. While this remains important, the modern power system exhibits significant dynamic behavior due to the high penetration of renewable energy. Therefore, our group is conducting research to develop and enhance restoration plans suitable for modern power systems.

• Power system operation involves hundreds of generation units, requiring system operators to thoroughly understand their functions to operate the system optimally. However, the power system is the largest human-made system, necessitating substantial computational effort and time. Our research group is working on optimizing practical power system operations to address these challenges efficiently.