Enhancing Transient Stability of Distribution Networks With Massive Proliferation of Converter-Interfaced Distributed Generators

High penetration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems has considerably increased the flexibility in power distribution networks operation. However, employing converter-interfaced energy and storage sources may significantly reduce the mechanical inertia and as a result, the power grids may confront serious stability challenges during transient conditions. This article introduces a strategy for enhancing transient stability margin of active distribution networks with high penetration of electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed optimization strategy intends to control EVs contributions during transient stability conditions. The EVs contributions are controlled through a new index proposed based on the system's total corrected critical kinetic energy (TCCKE). The proposed procedure for TCCKE calculation is driven by a hybrid algorithm taking into account the equal area criterion and sensitivity analysis. The suggested procedure for TCCKE only depends on the during fault data and as a result, the proposed optimization strategy is useful to prevent transient instability in the case of first swing instability. The proposed optimization is applied and evaluated on the IEEE test systems. The results clearly demonstrate the applicability and efficacy during a multitude of fault and emergency conditions.