Predictive Analysis of Wildfire Smoke-Induced Wiggle Effect on Low-Inertia Trending Power Grids

By the end of 2021, the United States had installed a 92.5 gigawatts of solar systems. Simultaneously, the rise of inverter-based resources (IBRs) has resulted in a noticeable decline in power grid inertia, which poses a risk to frequency stability in power systems. With the increasing prevalence of wildfires worldwide, it is crucial to examine the impact of wildfire smoke on solar systems and its implications for power grid operations. This study explores the oscillatory power output of PV systems named as “Wiggle Effect,” a phenomenon observed in PV systems during days affected by wildfire smoke. Distinctive from impact of cloud cover on PV systems, wildfire smoke covers much more landmass and can cause regional impacts on power grids. Additionally, wildfire smoke lasts for a longer time. Therefore, this study investigates the oscillatory patterns of PV power output, which have the potential to jeopardize the frequency stability of the power grid due to sudden fluctuations in power generation. The study investigates this effect and its impact on power system stability, focusing on power systems characterized by low inertia trends. Understanding the influence of wildfire smoke on power grid operations is essential for system operators to develop effective frequency control practices. By gaining insights into the Wiggle Effect, operators can enhance the stability and reliability of power grid operations, mitigating the risks associated with wildfire smoke episodes. The study's findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this issue, facilitating informed decision-making in managing power systems in the presence of wildfire smoke.