What refers to the ability of generation to remain in synchrony following severe disturbances?

The term that refers to the ability of generation to remain in synchrony following severe disturbances is known as transient stability. Transient stability specifically examines how well a power system maintains synchronism after experiencing a significant disturbance, such as a fault or major equipment failure. This aspect of stability is crucial because after such disturbances, power generation units must be able to return to a stable operating condition without losing synchrony with the grid. The ability to quickly restore this synchrony is indicative of a robust system that can handle sudden changes in load or generation.

Understanding this concept is vital for operators and engineers as it informs decisions about system design, protection schemes, and operational protocols to ensure reliability in the electrical grid. In contrast, terms like steady-state stability deal with conditions during normal operation, while transient instability refers to the loss of synchronism following disturbances. Critical stability is a more advanced concept but does not specifically define the condition after a severe disturbance as transient stability does.