Fundamental Study of Oscillations in the Nigerian Power System

The power systems in developing countries are usually stressed and operated near their stability limits. Consequently, accurate sources of oscillations and their controls can present a challenge. This paper reports a comprehensive study of the oscillations in the Nigerian 48-bus power system. The dominant modes, sensitive locations for faults, and the most responsible generators were identified by modal analysis. Uniquely, the potential for nonlinear modal interaction of these modes was carefully investigated. The low-frequency modes identified are 1 Hz, 1.14 Hz, and 1.37 Hz, and they are associated mainly with the generators at Kainji, Afam, and Delta power stations. The results indicate the existence of inter-area phenomena and nonlinear modal interactions among these modes. Also, the analysis revealed that the generator at the Kainji power station is most affected by the nonlinear interactions.