Effects of Converting Nuclear Plants in Midwest to Synchronous Condensers

Abstract

Conventional power plants are being retired and replaced with power generation from new renewable generation facilities around the country. One significant drawback to this trend is the loss of system inertia, which conventional power plants are typically able to provide better than wind and solar plants, and the corresponding decrease in grid frequency stability. One way to provide system inertia is with a synchronous condenser. This thesis investigates the potential for converting five nuclear plants in the Midwest into synchronous condensers upon retirement. A transmission system software model was used to simulate disturbances in frequency with the electric grid in the existing system configuration, with the studied facility retired, and with the studied facility converted to a synchronous condenser. Synchronous condenser conversion was determined to have the greatest positive impact on local frequency stability in areas that are close to a large amount of load and renewable generation projects.