Webinar: Analysis of IBR driven Oscillations in the Australian Grid

Featured Speakers: Nilesh Modi, Manager of Future System Studies team, Australia Energy Market Operator (AEMO); Shahil Shah, Principal Engineer at the Power Systems Engineering Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Webinar Abstract: The widespread integration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) has led to increasing instances of oscillations in power systems, driven by factors such as control interactions among IBRs and low system strength. In particular, sub-synchronous oscillations have been observed in regions of the Australian grid with high concentrations of IBRs. When such oscillations spread across a large portion of the network, it becomes crucial to identify their root causes to enable both operational mitigation and the exploration of long-term solutions.

This webinar will review recent IBR-driven oscillation events in the Australian grid and the proactive steps taken by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to investigate these occurrences. A central focus will be the analysis of 17-20 Hz oscillation events, learnings from real-time observations, and analysis of these oscillations using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation and impedance scan studies.

Key takeaways will include:

EMT and Impedance-Based Analysis: Insights into the application of impedance scans of IBRs and the transmission network, leveraging electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation models to identify system resonance modes.

Damping Contribution Assessment: Evaluation of the positive or negative damping contributions from individual IBRs to these modes.

Enhancing System Strength: Demonstrating the role of grid-forming resources in improving system strength and reducing the risk of oscillations, quantified through frequency scan testing.

This webinar will provide actionable insights into using advanced approaches such as impedance-based assessment to address challenges posed by the widespread adoption of IBRs, offering both immediate and strategic solutions to enhance grid stability.