| Transmission & distribution


Synchronous condensers restore grid inertia in two major European projects


The global transition to renewable energy is reducing the availability of system inertia vital for the stable operation of power grids. Synchronous condensers are well proven devices that are restoring the balance in two diverse installations


Kristina Carlquist, general manager, synchronous condensers, ABB


Traditionally, the world’s power grids have relied on the spinning inertia, or kinetic reserve, inherent in large, centralised generation plant to keep them in balance. This inertia helps grids to resist sudden changes, such as when a generator trips offline. The result is that the system frequency can be maintained within tightly controlled limits.


The grid inertia originates from hundreds of generators operating in synchronisation. In effect they are “locked” together so that they all rotate at the same speed, and therefore the same frequency. The cumulative energy stored by all these synchronous generators provides a fast response, available within seconds, to


ABB synchronous condenser


Artist’s impression of Lister Drive synchronous condenser installation


www.modernpowersystems.com | October 2022 | 29


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