Enhancing Grid Stability in Renewable Energy Systems Through Synchronous Condensers: A Case Study on Dedieselization and Assessment Criteria Development

Kevin Gausultan Hadith Mangunkusumo (), Arwindra Rizqiawan, Sriyono Sriyono, Buyung Sofiarto Munir, Putu Agus Pramana and Muhamad Ridwan
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Kevin Gausultan Hadith Mangunkusumo: Transmission and Distribution Department, PLN Research Institute, Jakarta 12760, Indonesia
Arwindra Rizqiawan: School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
Sriyono Sriyono: Transmission and Distribution Department, PLN Research Institute, Jakarta 12760, Indonesia
Buyung Sofiarto Munir: Transmission and Distribution Department, PLN Research Institute, Jakarta 12760, Indonesia
Putu Agus Pramana: Transmission and Distribution Department, PLN Research Institute, Jakarta 12760, Indonesia
Muhamad Ridwan: Transmission and Distribution Department, PLN Research Institute, Jakarta 12760, Indonesia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: The dedieselization program is one of the PLN’s (Indonesia’s state-owned utility company) programs to reduce the greenhouse gas effect. The program manifestation is the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into isolated island networks by substituting diesel generators. This condition introduces challenges such as diminished system strength, specifically, decreased frequency and voltage stability. This study focuses on Panjang Island, one of the target locations for the PLN’s dedieselization program, which currently relies entirely on diesel generators for electricity. As part of the transition to a PV-based power supply, retired diesel generators are proposed for conversion into synchronous condensers (SCs) to enhance system stability by providing inertia and reactive power support. By employing system modeling, steady-state analysis, and dynamic simulations, this study evaluates the effects of SC penetration on Panjang Island. The findings demonstrate that SCs improve grid stability by offering voltage support, increasing short-circuit capacity, and contributing to system inertia. Furthermore, a system assessment flowchart is also proposed to guide SC deployment based on network characteristics. Short-circuit ratios (SCRs) and voltage drops are evaluated as key parameters to determine the feasibility of SC penetration in a system. Converting retired diesel generators into SCs provides a resilient, stable grid as renewable energy penetration increases, optimizing system performance and reducing network losses.

Keywords: synchronous condenser; dedieselization; diesel generator; system strength; inertia; short-circuit ratio; PV system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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