Active power control for managing ramp events in NCR power plants within small-scale power systems

Abstract

Paper addresses the challenge of managing ramp events in non-conventional renewable (NCR) plants within small-scale, isolated power systems with high renewable energy penetration. Approach integrates real-time monitoring of generation, storage availability, and system dynamics to regulate power output effectively. Simulation-based methodology is employed to analyze system behavior during solar ramp events under varying NCR penetration levels. Results are used to determine the maximum ramp rate a power system can withstand, while maintaining operational margins. Novel Active Power Control (APC) strategy is proposed to mitigate power intermittency, enhance system stability and reliability, and achieve given ramp limits within system constraints, supported by storage sizing model based on 100 diverse generation scenarios. Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed APC system in managing ramp events in 94% of cases, with recommended storage capacity of 125% of plant’s rated output to cover 95% of typical generation patterns. Solution offers technically robust pathway for improving reliability of small-scale power systems with significant renewable integration.