Aceleración de Máquinas Sincrónicas en el Sistema Nacional Interconectado durante un cortocircuito de larga duración

Abstract

Electric power systems are made up of a great amount of elements that present particular dynamic characteristics and make them different from other systems. It is in this regard that particular studies and evaluations must be performed for each system in order to understand their dynamic performance in the face of different events and consequently establish means of control and protection, adapted to the proper features of each system, to improve the reliability and security in the electric power supply.

This article aims to portray the post mortem analysis of an electromechanical event that caused the acceleration of generation units belonging to the Ecuadorian National Interconnected System, as the result of a short-circuit that occurred in a distribution system. This event subsequently caused the tripping of the 230 kV interconnection between Ecuador and Colombia.

This analysis allows highlighting the importance of using modern technological tools for monitoring and assessing the power system such as the Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS). Likewise, the obtained results show an unexpected consequence about power system operations, related to: i) the characteristics of dynamic event propagation in a grid; and, ii) the triggering event of big frequency variations. Finally, the analysis results might guide the definition of countermeasures that allow avoiding the manifestation of similar events in the future.