Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
LACoSERE Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Laghouat, Algeria
2
LACoSERE Laboratory,Department of Electrical Engineering, , Amar Telidji University of Laghouat, Algeria
3
LACoSERE Laboratory,Department of Electrical Engineering, Amar Telidji University of Laghouat, Algeria
4
LAAAS Laboratory, Department of Electronics, University of Batna 2, Algeria, Department of Electronics, Faculty of Science, University of Tipaza, Tipaza 42000, Algeria
5
LGEB Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Biskra, Biskra 07000, Algeria
10.22059/jser.2026.419383.1775
Abstract
The global energy transition has led to unprecedented growth in photovoltaic (PV) installations, presenting new operational challenges to power system stability during grid disturbances. This research explores the relationship between fault location and the dynamic behavior of an IEEE 30-bus network incorporating PV generation, using Critical Clearing Time (CCT) as the primary performance indicator. Time-domain simulations were carried out using MATLAB/PSAT for three-phase faults under two distinct scenarios: with and without the integration of a 50 MW PV unit. To assess possible stability improvements, three Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers : SVC, STATCOM, and UPFC-were integrated into the network. The findings indicate that fault location plays a decisive role in determining stability margins, regardless of PV presence. However, when PV generation is connected, CCT values decreased noticeably, reflecting greater vulnerability to faults, especially at weak nodes. All three FACTS devices successfully improve CCT values across all examined cases. Among them, the UPFC demonstrates superior and consistent performance, followed by STATCOM, while the SVC provides relatively modest improvements.
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