Synchrophasor Measurement-Based Wind Plant Inertia Estimation

The total inertia stored in all rotating masses that are connected to a power system, such as synchronous generators and induction motors, is an essential force that keeps the system stable during and after disturbances. Typically, inertias respond to disturbances voluntarily, without any control actions; however, several types of renewable generation, particularly those with power electronic interfaces, have an inertial response governed by a control function. To ensure bulk power system stability, there is a need to estimate the equivalent inertia available from a renewable generation plant. An equivalent voluntary inertia constant analogous to that of conventional rotating machines can be used to provide a readily understandable metric.