Wave Aspect of Power System Transient Stability—Part I: Finite Approximation

Electromechanical wave propagation is present in power systems as a transient spatial delay of generator rotor angle variations when a disturbance occurs. The control and mitigation of the this wave phenomenon, which spreads out to different locations at a comparably slow speed, is important for enhancing power system transient stability, as shown in part two of this two-paper series. In an idealized power system consisting of infinitesimal generators and line impedances, this traveling wave can exist to infinite frequencies, its speed can be derived from a wave equation and its reflection can be eliminated by a characteristic termination. Part one of this paper series examines realistic power systems with finite size generators and line impedances. It shows that there is a finite approximation of the traveling wave in real power systems as the wave can exist only within a finite frequency range. This paper also examines aspects such as reflections due to discrete elements, controller design based on the load modulation effect, and the existence of traveling wave and its attenuation in the Australian power system.