Synchronous compensators: Old devices for new problems

Abstract

The power system resulting from the energy transition will lack inertia and short circuit strength which affects the stability of inverter-based resources (IBRs) under grid-following control schemes. Despite the developments in grid-forming control of IBRs, synchronous compensators are being proposed and installed in many power systems to address the aforementioned issues. This contribution discusses the contribution of synchronous compensators to the converter driven stability of type 3 and 4 wind generators. In addition, their contribution to the damping of inter-area oscillations will be addressed.