Assurance of Stability: Stability Test case and accelerated simulation

Project summary

Currently vendors are obliged to provide NESO encrypted ‘black-box’ simulation models of inverter-based resources (IBRs). However, there isn’t an easy way to use these black-box IBR models to form a state-space model of the IBR-dominated power grid for analysing sub-synchronous oscillations (SSO). Use of the white-box generic IBR models is an option but proper parametrisation of these across a range of operating conditions remains a challenge.  
This project will use a digital twin (DT) of IBRs with its parameters estimated based on perturbed data from high-fidelity real-time simulation. The parameterised IBR models in conjunction with the known dynamic model of the rest of the grid (including synchronous machines, loads etc.) would form the overall state-space model for studying SSO under different operating conditions. 

Name Status Project reference number Start date Proposed End date
Assurance of Stability: Digital-Twin based Stability Analysis Tool Live NIA2_NESO103 Sep 2025 Sep 2027
Summary

Currently vendors are obliged to provide NESO encrypted ‘black-box’ simulation models of inverter-based resources (IBRs). However, there isn’t an easy way to use these black-box IBR models to form a state-space model of the IBR-dominated power grid for analysing sub-synchronous oscillations (SSO). Use of the white-box generic IBR models is an option but proper parametrisation of these across a range of operating conditions remains a challenge.  
This project will use a digital twin (DT) of IBRs with its parameters estimated based on perturbed data from high-fidelity real-time simulation. The parameterised IBR models in conjunction with the known dynamic model of the rest of the grid (including synchronous machines, loads etc.) would form the overall state-space model for studying SSO under different operating conditions. 

Benefits

A digital twin-based stability analysis tool will enable NESO to parameterise IBR models, study SSO, and identify root cause using conventional modal analysis systematically. Currently without well parameterised DTs of IBRs, developing a state-space model in a bottom-up way to study SSO is challenging, risking SSO events or forcing NESO to operate conservatively. 
This project is expected to provide several benefits, including:  

  • Enhanced system security and reliability by reducing system risk and avoiding negative control interactions (ranging from small wobbles to extreme blackouts), allowing higher fractions of renewables (IBRs) without compromising the security of supply.
  • Improved quality of supply and services.
  • Lower bills for consumers by reducing the probability of downtime, brownouts or blackouts.
  • Support for Net Zero goals. 

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