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Development of an EMT model of the Balearic power system

Yousef Pipelzadeh, Dharshana Muthumuni, Farid Mosallat, Javier Renedo, Silvia Sanz Verdugo, Antonio Cordón, Edgar Nuño, Macarena Martín

arXiv:2610.00034v1eess.SYcs.SY

TL;DR

High inverter-based-resource penetration and reduced synchronous generation pose stability-analysis challenges in the Balearic Islands, motivating detailed EMT modeling. The paper develops a comprehensive Balearic system EMT model and validates its dynamic response against RMS results, finding consistent overall behavior under the reported fault case despite response-detail differences.

  • Problem

    The planned renewable transition and new VSC-HVDC link raise system-operation and stability challenges that require detailed study of fast dynamics and device interactions.

    Source: §1 · p. 2, VALIDATION OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT… · p. 11, §6 · p. 12

  • Method

    The paper develops a comprehensive Balearic power-system EMT model and a methodology for transitioning the RMS model, integrating network and vendor-specific models.

    Source: §1 · p. 3

  • Results

    Under a 100 ms three-phase fault at a 220 kV Mallorca bus, the RMS and EMT models show consistent overall system behavior despite differences in response details.

    Source: VALIDATION OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT… · p. 11

  • Takeaways & Limitations

    For high-IBR systems, EMT models are more appropriate than RMS models for studying fast phenomena such as interactions between inverters and the grid.

    Source: §6 · p. 12

    The VSC-HVDC link has not yet been built, so some model data are assumed based on engineering judgment.

    Source: §4 · p. 7

Abstract

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The Balearic Islands are striving to achieve 100% renewable energy, which poses new challenges in operating the power system securely and reliably. With a higher integration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and a reduced presence of conventional synchronous generators, the system strength, particularly short circuit levels, becomes weaker and more susceptible to disturbances; and the total inertia of the system becomes lower. Technology enablers are planned to achieve energy transition in the Balearic power system: a new 2x200 MW VSC-HVDC link (bipole with metallic return), Synchronous Compensators (SC) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), as fully-integrated network components. Detailed ElectroMagnetic Transient (EMT) simulation studies may be needed to analyse stability of the system, due to the high amounts of power-electronics devices in the system. This paper describes the implementation of an EMT model of the Balearic power system.

1. INTRODUCTION

The planned VSC-HVDC interconnection brings operating, control, protection, and interaction challenges alongside the existing LCC-HVDC link. The paper presents a comprehensive EMT model of the Balearic Islands and describes its conversion and validation.

1. INTRODUCTION

  • The EMT model covers H2026 and H2030, including both HVDC links, PV plants, BESS, and Synchronous Compensators.The planned VSC-HVDC link is a 2x200 MW bipole at ±250 kVdc, connecting Mallorca and the Iberian Peninsula.Source: §1 · p. 2
  • Large-scale EMT studies are motivated by increased inverter-based resources and advanced HVDC technologies, which call for detailed transient modeling.The paper notes that parallelization and faster computing support efficient run times for wide-area EMT models.Source: §1 · p. 3
  • The work places the model within a Spanish TSO effort to develop an EMT environment for operational and planning simulations.The introduction also highlights network splitting for parallel simulation and dynamic validation between RMS and EMT models.Source: §1 · p. 3
  • The paper presents a systematic RMS-to-EMT transition methodology and a large-scale model incorporating inverter-based resources.It also discusses a VSC-HVDC link model with grid-following or grid-forming control modes at the Mallorca converter station.Source: §1 · p. 3
  • Compared with an earlier reduced Balearic model for studying VSC-HVDC control schemes, this work covers the conversion process and presents detailed validation.The earlier model was a preliminary study of control-scheme impacts on power-system stability.Source: §1 · p. 3

2. METHODOLOGY FOR TRANSITIONING THE BALEARIC ISLAND POWER SYSTEM TO AN EMT SIMULATION FRAMEWORK

The methodology converts the Balearic RMS network into an EMT framework through load-flow preparation, data conversion, and integration of vendor-specific and protection models. A switch-over initialization approach and later re-dispatch support dynamic studies and future operating scenarios.

2. METHODOLOGY FOR TRANSITIONING THE BALEARIC ISLAND POWER SYSTEM TO AN EMT SIMULATION FRAMEWORK

  • An RMS load-flow analysis supplies the operating-condition baseline for data conversion and EMT initialization.The Balearic RMS model includes the full electrical network and dynamic models.Source: §2 · p. 4
  • PRSIM imports PSS/E .raw and .dyr data to map network details into the EMT environment.The conversion process develops the EMT power-network model from the RMS data.Source: §2 · p. 4
  • The EMT model integrates vendor-specific HVDC, PV, DER, BESS, and synchronous-condenser models alongside generator protection and load-shedding schemes.After integration and a new steady state, dynamic studies can use a saved load-flow snapshot to explore fault scenarios; Python scripts can automate the workflow.Source: §2 · pp. 4–5
  • Vendor-specific models are initialized separately from the network using Thevenin voltage sources, then switched into the operational network in staggered steps.Three switches replace the sources; integration timing is staggered because models reach a new steady state at different rates, helping avoid excessive transients and potential converter trips.Source: §2 · pp. 4–5, Figure 3 · p. 5
  • A final re-dispatch adapts network topology and operating conditions to future developments using the conversion tool and/or dispatch scripts.The process is intended to keep the model relevant for future operational scenarios.Source: §2 · p. 5

3. BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT MODEL WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF INVERTER-BASED MODELS

The paper implements a wide-area Balearic EMT model for H2026 and H2030, partitioned into island zones and equipped for parallel simulation. The model supports system-level studies of controller interaction, transient behavior, and system dynamics.

3. BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT MODEL WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF INVERTER-BASED MODELS

  • The H2026 and H2030 scenarios contain 291 and 298 buses, respectively.The model divides the system into Menorca, Mallorca, and Ibiza & Formentera cases connected through the Parallel Network Interface.Source: §3 · p. 5, Figure 4 · p. 6
  • Subnet and vendor-specific models are assigned to separate EMT-tool pages and connected with PNI lines for parallel simulation across multiple cores.This arrangement is described as supporting more effective run times.Source: §3 · p. 6
  • The Iberian Peninsula is represented by an equivalent 400 kV network, and the EMT setup can be expanded or modified for future system studies.PRSIM and Python scripts support topology changes and additional vendor-specific models for planned scenarios such as 2030.Source: §3 · p. 6
  • A 10-second EMT simulation takes approximately 10 minutes on the employed HPC, with timing dependent on hardware and model partitioning and optimization.Source: §3 · p. 6
  • The model enables system-level analysis of controller interactions, transient behavior, and component interactions in the Balearic power system.The paper states that these studies provide insights into system dynamics and support analysis of grid stability, reliable operation, and renewable integration.Source: §3 · p. 7

4. VSC-HVDC LINK MODEL INTERCONNECTING BALEARIC ISLANDS TO THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

The section introduces the VSC-HVDC link model connecting the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Some model data are assumed because the link has not yet been built.

4. VSC-HVDC LINK MODEL INTERCONNECTING BALEARIC ISLANDS TO THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

  • The EMT model includes a VSC-HVDC link connecting the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.The section introduces the functions of the Mainland and Island VSC terminals.Source: Figure 5 · p. 7, §4 · p. 7
  • Some VSC-HVDC model data are engineering assumptions because the link has not yet been built.Source: §4 · p. 7
  • Table 1 summarizes the specifications for each pole converter.Source: Table 1 · p. 7, §4 · p. 7

CONVERTERS IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA (MAINLAND TERMINAL)

The Mainland terminal uses two grid-following VSC poles to maintain DC-link voltage, with selectable reactive-power or AC-voltage control on the AC side.

CONVERTERS IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA (MAINLAND TERMINAL)

CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS (ISLAND TERMINAL)

The Island terminal model offers grid-following or grid-forming control, with grid-forming functions intended to coordinate the bipole and other island generators. Simulations show settling after a load step and fault ride-through with limited valve current.

CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS (ISLAND TERMINAL)

  • The Island terminal model lets users select grid-following or grid-forming control, with grid-forming control expected to be preferred for the weak island system.Source: CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS… · p. 8
  • Grid-forming controls use frequency droop and inertia emulation for active-power sharing, and AC-voltage control with reactive-power droop for reactive-power sharing.Source: CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS… · p. 8
  • A synchronization scheme allows each pole to synchronize with the common AC bus when joining an energized grid or during black start.Source: CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS… · p. 8
  • After a 100 MW + j60 Mvar load step, the converter settles at the new operating points and the two poles share active and reactive power evenly in steady state.The load step is approximately 8% of peak demand.Source: CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS… · p. 8
  • The Island converter successfully rides through a 150 ms double-phase-to-ground fault, limiting valve currents to 1.5 kA before resuming prefault power.Before the fault it supplies 200 MW + j120 Mvar to the island system.Source: CONVERTERS IN THE BALEARIC ISLANDS… · p. 8

5. STEADY-STATE AND DYNAMIC VALIDATION ACROSS RMS AND EMT ENVIRONMENTS

Validation compares the Balearic system’s RMS and EMT representations, including individually tested synchronous machines and a system-level fault. Load-flow and short-circuit results match well, while fault responses show differences tied to model fidelity and control detail.

5. STEADY-STATE AND DYNAMIC VALIDATION ACROSS RMS AND EMT ENVIRONMENTS

  • The RMS and EMT environments show an excellent match in steady-state load flows and short-circuit levels.Source: §5 · p. 10

VALIDATION OF INDIVIDUAL GENERATORS

VALIDATION OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT MODEL

  • During a 100 ms three-phase fault in Mallorca, overall system behavior is consistent across RMS and EMT, but EMT shows delayed power output as converter PLLs resynchronize.The models also differ in detail because their VSC-HVDC representations and modelling fidelity are not identical.Source: VALIDATION OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT… · p. 11, Figure 9 · p. 12
  • As system strength diminishes and inverter control complexity increases, EMT becomes increasingly crucial for detailed studies of control interaction, subsynchronous oscillations and harmonic stability.Source: VALIDATION OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS EMT… · p. 11

6. CONCLUSIONS

With high power-electronic-device penetration, EMT models capture fast device and grid interactions that RMS models do not. The Balearic Islands case also highlights planning, model-choice, and resource requirements for large-scale EMT studies.

6. CONCLUSIONS

  • EMT models are more appropriate than RMS models for stability issues involving fast interactions among inverter-based resources and the grid.RMS models remain appropriate for transient and frequency stability studies, but do not capture these faster phenomena.Source: §6 · p. 12
  • The Balearic Islands network demonstrates large-scale EMT model utility for applications including generator-connection and other interaction studies.The paper notes such applications are relevant to regions experiencing rapid inverter-based-resource integration.Source: §6 · p. 12
  • Uncertainty about future technologies and network changes constrains long-term planning, making clear upfront requirements important to systematic EMT model development.Source: §6 · p. 12
  • Generic models are practical for long-term planning when vendor-specific models are unavailable amid rapidly evolving technologies and network configurations.Source: §6 · p. 12
  • Large-scale EMT model development requires significant engineering and computing resources, with high-performance computing identified as important for efficiency.Source: §6 · p. 12
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