Impact of synchronous condensers on transmission line protection in scenarios with high penetration of renewable energy sources

The objective of the studies presented in this paper aims to demonstrate that the deployment and operational control of synchronous condensers in the GB transmission system can mitigate a part of the challenges associated with the high penetration of renewable energy sources. These include the decline of short circuit level and the subsequent impact on transmission line protection schemes. The case studies include scenarios such as transmission-level faults, fault level calculation and assessment of distance protection performance. The results and observations included in the paper aim to highlight the means and supporting evidence for the benefits of synchronous condensers in the view of a fully de-carbonised power system.