Optimal Determination of Synchronous Condenser Placement and Voltage Setting for Enhancing Power System Stability

With the increasing share of renewable energy in power systems, the instability of the power systems is becoming increasingly significant. Consequently, power system stability has become a critical issue, and non-transmission alternatives have been examined as potential solutions. Among non-transmission alternatives, the synchronous condenser can enhance power system stability by providing inertia support and reactive power compensation, especially in systems with a high share of renewable energy. The placement and voltage settings of synchronous condensers significantly impact system stability. This paper proposes a methodology for determining the optimal placement and optimal voltage setting of synchronous condensers for enhancing their voltage stability and transient stability; the improved voltage stability index and synchronizing torque coefficient are used for enhancing the voltage stability and transient stability, respectively. A case study with a focus on specific stability aspects and involving scenarios where the size and number of synchronous capacitors are varied while maintaining a constant inertia energy is presented. The results of the case study show that strategically optimizing the placement and voltage setting of synchronous condensers can enhance the stability of a power system significantly.