Impact of Power Electronics on Electrical Infrastructure - Bulk System Operations

The power system is rapidly evolving with large amount of power electronic converters becoming pervasive through the electrical infrastructure. The role inverter based resources (IBRs) on the generation side is increasing rapidly. The grid edge is changing rapidly with power electronics already widespread in low voltage applications. With IBRs getting connected at the transmission and sub-transmission level, the role of power electronics in the bulk power system is poised take off. The industry is beginning to focus greater attention on the challenges of grid operation with high levels of inverter based resources and the role of IBRs on the reliability and operational performance of the bulk power system. With increasing global commitment for deeper decarbonization of the electric power system, maintaining the stability and reliability of the bulk power system would become more complex. Reliability implications of IBR dominated power system are not fully analyzed. Ensuring the stability of the bulk grid require a greater understanding of failure modes, how to mitigate system-level failures, system operations and associated infrastructure challenges. This panel with speakers from utilities, manufacturers and manufacturers will discuss the impact power electronics on the bulk system operation.