Fuel cell transmission integrated grid energy resources to support generation-constrained power systems.

• Large-scale fuel cells were deployed to support constrained transmission systems. • A combined active/reactive power injection seems ideal for voltage regulation. • Placing TIGER on the lowest voltage bus achieved greater grid benefits. • TIGER deployment enhanced the overall system steady-state voltage stability. This paper estimates operational benefits and opportunities for utility-scale, distributed generation resources, called Transmission Integrated Grid Energy Resource (TIGER) stations herein, to support the electric power grid. Efficient, near-zero-emissions, high-temperature Fuel Cells fed by natural gas, operate as the generation source. For analysis, we use the real-world case of the transmission system in Southern California associated with the closure of the San Onofre nuclear power plant, which triggered the need for supplemental generation support and grid reliability. In this context, TIGER stations emerge as an opportunity to enhance grid characteristics. Steady-state power flow simulations were carried out for different TIGER station deployments. Results show that TIGER stations reduce line losses and provide local voltage support. The installation of only three TIGER stations operating at 70 MW/70 MVAR, or 100 MVAR each, was able to maintain voltage throughout at 0.98 p.u. or above when it otherwise had dropped to near 0.92 p.u. when the 2.0 GW nuclear plant went offline. The best TIGER placement was proven to always be at the weakest point in the system (at the end of the circuit, at the lowest voltage bus) as opposed to being distributed across nearby buses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]