Time-Delay Analysis of Wide-Area Voltage Control Considering Smart Grid Contingences in a Real-Time Environment

This paper addresses the time-delay effects of the wide-area monitoring and control systems (WAMCS) in smart power grids which may critically impact system stability. The main purpose is to conduct a detailed delay analysis of the WAMCS in case of grid contingences. This analysis is performed via an advanced WAMCS testbed where a flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) device is utilized and controlled via a wide-area controller (WAC). Phasor measurements units (PMUs) are adopted to collect the real-time measurements for the WAC. The testbed results from an interface of four main segments known as the WAC; the actual FACTS device, the local area controller, and the power grid system along with the PMUs are simulated via a real-time digital simulator. To mimic the real case scenario, both hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop schemes are adopted in the experimental testbed, considering time-delay effects. The results obtained clarify the effect of delay in WAMCS in case of smart grid contingences.