Power Systems Stability

A power system requires to remain stable even during a failure, such as short circuits, load

shifting, loss of generation, and other unusual events. Additionally, stability issues are particularly

challenging since, as any dynamic system, it has fundamental mathematical underpinnings [1].

Two of the most analyzed forms of stability, both in short-term and long term, are voltage and

rotor angle stability. (wc:60)

Voltage stability refers to the ability of the power system to remain within its voltage limits after an

unusual event, regardless of the duration and type of it. Voltage stability is, in the same way,

related to the capability of the system to maintain the balance between the energy generated and

the energy supplied, which can also help in the frequency oscillations damping. Voltage stability

is achieved primarily through an appropriate design and turning of SVCs and AVRs, and with an

accurate dispatch of reactive power. (wc:86)

Rotor angle stability refers to the ability of the synchronous machines of the power system to stay

in synchronism after an unusual event. It means that the input mechanical torque and the output

electromagnetic torque of each generator need to remain in balance. This is achieved through an

active power transfer between the machines, since there is a linear relation between the active

power and the rotor angle. In order to accomplish this, an appropriate design and turning of speed

regulators is mandatory. (wc:83)

Power systems are slightly predictable but largely controllable. This is why, regardless the

conditions of the system, both voltage stability and rotor angle stability techniques need to be

applied. The understanding of the stability problem results essential in order to guarantee the

secure and reliable operation of power systems. (wc:49)

[1]P. Kundur et al., Definition and Classification of Power System Stability IEEE/CIGRE Joint Task Force

on Stability Terms and Definitions, IEEE Trans. Power Syst., vol.