NERC PRC-026 Considerations for Inverter Based Resource-Dominated Grids
Aboutaleb Haddadi, Evangelos Farantatos, Ce Zheng, Sandro Aquiles-Perez, Manish Patel · 2024
This paper studies considerations for application of NERC PRC-026 Standard in an inverter-based resource (IBR)-dominated power system. The standard provides requirements for relay performance during stable power swings to ensure that load-responsive protective relays do not trip in response to stable power swings during non-fault conditions. The methodology of the standard assumes a classical power system dominated by synchronous generators (SGs). These classical assumptions may no longer be valid in a power system dominated by IBRs due to the fundamentally different dynamic and short circuit characteristics of these resources compared to classical SGs. Consequently, the existing methodology of PRC-026 for transmission line protection compliance may not be applicable in an IBR-dominated power system. Simulation case studies have been provided to demonstrate potential inadequacies of the current approach. Based on these preliminary findings, recommendations and future research areas have been provided to address the challenges. The goal is to ensure that methods used for transmission line protection compliance remain adequate as the power system transitions towards a future, IBR-dominated system.