Transient stability analysis in high photovoltaic penetration scenarios

In recent years renewable energy sources (wind and solar energy) have been significantly integrated into the power systems in various countries. In this context the ever increasing penetration of photovoltaic power will have a huge impact on the steady state and transient stability of the grid. However, future power grids are to face the reality that renewable energy sources have the inherently intermittent characteristics of rapidly changing generation capacity depending heavily on weather conditions, along with the reduced inertia of the whole system. This paper analyzed the effects on transient stability of power grids in scenarios with increasing penetration of photovoltaic power plants in terms of analysis of different penetration levels of photovoltaic power plants carried out on an IEEE test power system model. As a result of the analyses, we are able to draw typical conclusions as of the negative impacts of high photovoltaic penetration on the power systems, as well as propose possible potential solutions to the issues of ensuring necessary transient stability.