This paper analyzes the small-signal impedance of three-phase grid-tied inverters with feedback control and phase-locked loop (PLL) in the synchronous reference ( d-q ) frame. The result unveils an interesting and important feature of three-phase grid-tied inverters – namely, that its q–q channel impedance behaves as a negative incremental resistor. Moreover, this paper shows that this behavior is a consequence of grid synchronization, where the bandwidth of the PLL determines the frequency range of the resistor behavior, and the power rating of the inverter determines the magnitude of the resistor. Advanced PLL, current, and power control strategies do not change this feature. An example shows that under weak grid conditions, a change of the PLL bandwidth could lead the inverter system to unstable conditions as a result of this behavior. Harmonic resonance and instability issues can be analyzed using the proposed impedance model. Simulation and experimental measurements verify the analysis.

Analysis of D-Q Small-Signal Impedance of Grid-Tied Inverters

In recent researches on inverter-based distributed generators, disadvantages of traditional grid-connected current control, such as no grid-forming ability and lack of inertia, have been pointed out. As a result, novel control methods like droop control and virtual synchronous generator (VSG) have been proposed. In both methods, droop characteristics are used to control active and reactive power, and the only difference between them is that VSG has virtual inertia with the emulation of swing equation, whereas droop control has no inertia. In this paper, dynamic characteristics of both control methods are studied, in both stand-alone mode and synchronous-generator-connected mode, to understand the differences caused by swing equation. Small-signal models are built to compare transient responses of frequency during a small loading transition, and state-space models are built to analyze oscillation of output active power. Effects of delays in both controls are also studied, and an inertial droop control method is proposed based on the comparison. The results are verified by simulations and experiments. It is suggested that VSG control and proposed inertial droop control inherits the advantages of droop control, and in addition, provides inertia support for the system.

Comparison of Dynamic Characteristics Between Virtual Synchronous Generator and Droop Control in Inverter-Based Distributed Generators

Today, conventional power systems are evolving to modern smart grids, where interconnected microgrids may dominate the distribution system with high penetration of renewable energy and energy storage systems. The hybrid ac/dc systems with dc and ac sources/loads are considered to be the most possible future distribution or even transmission structures. For such hybrid ac/dc microgrids, power management strategies are one of the most critical operation aspects. This paper presents an overview of power management strategies for a hybrid ac/dc microgrid system, which includes different system structures (ac-coupled, dc-coupled, and ac–dc-coupled hybrid microgrids), different operation modes, a thorough study of various power management and control schemes in both steady state and transient conditions, and examples of power management and control strategies. Finally, discussion and recommendations of power management strategies for the further research are presented.

Overview of Power Management Strategies of Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid

The virtual synchronous generator (VSG) is a control scheme applied to the inverter of a distributed generating unit to support power system stability by imitating the behavior of a synchronous machine. The VSG design of our research incorporates the swing equation of a synchronous machine to express a virtual inertia property. Unlike a real synchronous machine, the parameters of the swing equation of the VSG can be controlled in real time to enhance the fast response of the virtual machine in tracking the steady-state frequency. Based on this concept, the VSG with alternating moment of inertia is elaborated in this paper. The damping effect of the alternating inertia scheme is investigated by transient energy analysis. In addition, the performance of the proposed inertia control in stability of nearby machines in power system is addressed. The idea is supported by simulation and experimental results, which indicates remarkable performance in the fast damping of oscillations.

Power System Stabilization Using Virtual Synchronous Generator With Alternating Moment of Inertia

The electric power system is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented changes. Environmental and sustainability concerns lead to replacement of a significant share of conventional fossil fuel-based power plants with renewable energy resources. This transition involves the major challenge of substituting synchronous machines and their well-known dynamics and controllers with power electronics-interfaced generation whose regulation and interaction with the rest of the system is yet to be fully understood. In this article, we review the challenges of such low-inertia power systems, and survey the solutions that have been put forward thus far. We strive to concisely summarize the laid-out scientific foundations as well as the practical experiences of industrial and academic demonstration projects. We touch upon the topics of power system stability, modeling, and control, and we particularly focus on the role of frequency, inertia, as well as control of power converters and from the demand-side.

/pdf/foundations-and-challenges-of-low-inertia-systems-invited-4ndu9gyc5e.pdf

Foundations and Challenges of Low-Inertia Systems (Invited Paper)

A synchronverter is an inverter that mimics synchronous generators, which offers a mechanism for power systems to control grid-connected renewable energy and facilitates smart grid integration. Similar to other grid-connected inverters, it needs a dedicated synchronization unit, e.g., a phase-locked loop (PLL), to provide the phase, frequency, and amplitude of the grid voltage as references. In this paper, a radical step is taken to improve the synchronverter as a self-synchronized synchronverter by removing the dedicated synchronization unit. It can automatically synchronize itself with the grid before connection and track the grid frequency after connection. This considerably improves the performance, reduces the complexity, and computational burden of the controller. All the functions of the original synchronverter, such as frequency and voltage regulation, real power, and reactive power control, are maintained. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the control strategy. Experimental results have shown that the proposed control strategy can improve the performance of frequency tracking by more than 65%, the performance of real power control by 83%, and the performance of reactive power control by about 70%.

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.323811!/file/IEEEPE_SelfSynch.pdf

Self-Synchronized Synchronverters: Inverters Without a Dedicated Synchronization Unit

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.543735!/file/EC_GridfriendlyWind.pdf

Grid-friendly wind power systems based on the synchronverter technology

Current control and direct power control (DPC) are popular control strategies for PWM rectifiers. In this paper, two novel control strategies are proposed to operate a rectifier to mimic a synchronous motor. One is to directly control the power extracted from the source and the other is to control the output voltage. The reactive power can be easily controlled to obtain the unity power factor. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed scheme.

Synchronverter-based control strategies for three-phase PWM rectifiers

A strategy is proposed to control the output voltage of a three-phase PWM-controlled rectifier, based on the synchronverter technology that operates PWM converters to mimic synchronous machines. Such a PWM-controlled rectifier is able to track the grid frequency and phase so that an extra synchronisation unit, e.g. a phase-locked loop (PLL), is not needed any more, which considerably reduces the computational burden of the controller. The strategy is verified with simulations in Matlab/Simulink.

Zhenyu Ma

Papers

Self-Synchronized Synchronverters: Inverters Without a Dedicated Synchronization Unit

Grid-friendly wind power systems based on the synchronverter technology

Synchronverter-based control strategies for three-phase PWM rectifiers

PWM-controlled rectifiers without the need of an extra synchronisation unit

Synchronverter-based Control Strategy for Back-to-back Converters in Wind Power Applications