Performance evaluation of four grid-forming control techniques with soft black-start capabilities

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Abstract

Grid-Forming Converters (GFC) can be controlled as independent, self-starting, voltage sources. This feature is essential for power converters to achieve successful black-start sequence initiation. Conventional grid-following converters are not capable of self-starting an islanded network. GFC control thus exploits wider grid support and network restart potential. This study analyzes and compares four GFC controllers to assess their generic and soft black-start (ramping voltage) capabilities. The compared techniques are: Droop Control, Power Synchronizing Control (PSC), Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM), and Matching control. These techniques are selected based on their direct voltage reference control flexibility. Various simulations are performed with common parameters to assess the response of each technique under similar conditions against load, DC voltage and active power reference disturbances, in addition to their soft-start readiness. The results demonstrate the high-level compatibility of these four controllers with soft black-start through successful and timely ramping voltage reference tracking. Moreover, the four considered control techniques achieve satisfactory performance, with VSM demonstrating more flexibility due to its tunable virtual inertia parameter (J).
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 9th International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Application (ICRERA)
Place of PublicationPiscataway, N.J.
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-7281-7369-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Nov 2020
Event 9th IEEE International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications (ICRERA) 2020 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 27 Sept 202030 Sept 2020
https://icrera.org/archieve2020/index.php?id=main

Conference

Conference 9th IEEE International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications (ICRERA) 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityGlasgow
Period27/09/2030/09/20
Internet address

Keywords

  • performance evaluation
  • renewable energy sources
  • robustness
  • machine control
  • droop control
  • black-start capabilities

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