Impact of model detail of synchronous machines on real-time transient stability assessment

In this paper, it is investigated how detailed the model of a synchronous machine needs to be in order to assess transient stability using a Single Machine Equivalent (SIME). The results will show how the stability mechanism and the stability assessment are affected by the model detail. In order to identify the transient stability mechanism, a simulation with a high-order model was used as reference. The Western System Coordinating Council System (WSCC) and the New England & New York system are considered and simulations of an unstable and a stable scenario are carried out, where the detail of the machine models is varied. Analyses of the results suggest that a 4^th-order model may be sufficient to represent synchronous machines in transient stability studies.