An infinite bus, also known as an infinite grid or an ideal bus, is a concept used in power systems and electrical engineering. It refers to an electrical system that is assumed to have an infinite capacity to supply or absorb electrical power. It is an idealized representation used for analysis and modeling of power systems, simplifying calculations, making certain assumptions and serves as a reference point for analyzing and modeling the behavior of generators or power sources connected to a larger power grid.
In power system analysis, an infinite bus is used as a reference or benchmark for evaluating the behavior and performance of other components in the system, such as generators, transformers, transmission lines, and loads. It simplifies analysis by eliminating the need to model the complex dynamics of the entire power grid and focusing on specific components or subsystems.
It is important to note that while an infinite bus is a useful concept for analysis, actual power systems have limitations and operate within specific voltage and power limits, however, the concept of an infinite bus provides a valuable framework for studying power system stability, fault analysis, and control strategies.
The key characteristics of an infinite bus are:
- Infinite Capacity
- An infinite bus is assumed to have an unlimited power supply capacity. It can provide or absorb any amount of power without affecting its voltage magnitude and frequency.
- Voltage Stability
- The voltage magnitude at the infinite bus is considered constant and unaffected by load variations or disturbances. It serves as a reference voltage for the entire power system.
- Infinite Short Circuit Power
- An infinite bus is capable of providing an infinite amount of fault current during a short circuit condition. This assumption is used for fault analysis and protective device coordination studies.
It is important to note that in reality, there are no truly infinite buses or grids. However, the concept of an infinite bus is a useful abstraction that helps simplify power system analysis and facilitates understanding of system behavior under normal and abnormal operating conditions.