This thesis investigates the phenomenon of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) in meshed series compensated AC/DC systems in the presence of operational uncertainties. The main contribution of this research is the novel application of risk assessment methods to SSR studies. In terms of network topology, future electric power transmission networks alongside the current power networks are expected to be meshed, and consequently, exposed to relative low risk of subsynchronous resonance. However, power systems are increasingly operated closer to stability limits in order to enhance efficiency and economics of their use. These stressed operating conditions may contribute to the deterioration in the system reliability. Uncertainty associated with the loads will also further diversify in the future due to new type of devices connected to the network whilst the integration of stochastic renewable generation sources will add another layer of uncertainty to system operation. There is a growing necessity to explore the challenges created by the increased uncertainty in generation and loads, and quantify risk to keep a balance between avoiding potentially catastrophic systems failures and mitigating for extremely rare event. This research work introduces risk assessment in subsynchronous resonance studies. Two indices are developed to quantify the severity of dynamic instability and transient torque amplification. Using these indices generators in the network can be ranked based on potential exposure to SSR. Following the development of indices, a methodology is proposed to evaluate the risk of SSR. The developed methodology takes into account the severity of SSR problem and probabilities of different contingencies and different operating conditions of a turbine generator. A robust investigation, into the effect of uncertainties on both aspects of SSR with symmetrical and asymmetrical compensation schemes, is also performed. The results of the analysis reveal that a critically compensated system in normal meshed network configuration may become dynamically unstable with as low as ±5% uncertainty in mechanical parameters. The critical compensation level with asymmetrical compensation in normal network configuration and each contingency becomes higher. It is also shown that the risk level assessed with the developed methodology does not change under the influence of ±5% uncertainties in the mechanical parameters. After establishing, that risk, based approach provides a better picture of all credible scenarios and risk of SSR in compensated power network, a methodology based on risk evaluation of SSR for selecting an optimal combination of TCSCs and fixed series capacitors for compensation of transmission lines is presented. This proposed methodology maximizes the use of fixed capacitors whilst maintaining the risk of SSR within an acceptable level in all credible contingencies and operating conditions.

Subsynchronous oscillations (SSO) were an issue that occurred in the past with conventional generators and were studied extensively throughout the years. However, with the rise of inverter-based resources, a new form of SSO emerged under the name subsynchronous control interaction (SSCI). More specifically, a resonance case occurs between Type-3 wind turbines and series compensation that can damage equipment within the wind farm and disrupt power generation. This work explores the types of SSCI and the various analysis methods as well as mitigation of SSCI. The work expands on the concept of frequency scan to be able to use it in an on-line setting with its output data used to mitigate SSCI through the modification of wind turbine parameters. Multiple frequency scans are conducted using PSCAD/EMTDC software to build a lookup table and harmonic injection is used in a parallel configuration to obtain the impedance of the system. Once the impedance of the system is obtained then the value of the parameters is adjusted using the look-up table. Harmonic injection is optimized through phase shifts to ensure minimal disruption of the steady-state operating point and is conducted using Python programming language with PSCAD Automation Library. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by ensuring oscillations do not grow exponentially in comparison to the regular operation of the wind farm. / Master of Science / Due to climate change concern and the depletion of fossil fuel resources, electrical power generation is shifting towards renewables such as solar and wind energy. Wind energy can be obtained using wind turbines that transform wind energy into electrical energy, these wind turbines come in four different types. Type-3 wind turbines are the most commonly used in the industry which use a special configuration of the classical induction generator. These wind turbines are typically installed in a distant location which makes it more difficult to transfer energy from its location to populated areas, hence, series capacitors can be used to increase the amount of transferred energy. However, these series capacitors can create a phenomenon called subsynchronous control interaction (SSCI) with Type-3 wind turbines. In this phenomenon, energy is exchanged back and forth between the series capacitors and the wind turbines causing the current to grow exponentially which leads to interruptions in service and damage to major equipments within the wind turbine. This work explores SSCI, the tools to study it, and the currently available mitigation methods. It also presents a method to identify the cases where SSCI can happen and mitigates it using adjustable parameters.