Transient Slack Capability

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of Transient Slack Capability (TSC), a set of three necessary device-level conditions to ensure stability under sustained power perturbations. TSC states that a device must (1) possess sufficient stored energy; (2) a controlled input power; and (3) maintain internal energy balance and synchronization. The paper shows that the relation among the time-scales of storage, control, and power perturbation is at the core of the TSC concept. Using the port-Hamiltonian (PH) framework, these conditions are formalized and validated via simulations on an adapted model of the WSCC 9-bus system. Case studies demonstrate that TSC is achievable in both Grid-Following (GFL) and Grid-Forming (GFM) converter control schemes, provided the conditions above are satisfied. Sensitivity analysis serves to identify storage and power reserve requirements to meet Conditions 1 and 2; the impact of converter current limiters on Condition 3; and inertia-less solutions able to achieve TSC.