In modern converter-dominated power systems, total inertia is very variable and depends on the share of power generated by renewable-based converter-interfaced generation (CIG) at each specific moment. As a result, the limits required by the grid codes on the rate of change of frequency and its nadir or zenith during disturbances become challenging to achieve with conventional control approaches. Therefore, the transition to a novel control strategy of CIG with a grid-forming power converter is relevant. For this purpose, a control algorithm based on a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) is used, which simulates the properties and capabilities of a conventional synchronous generation. However, due to continuously changing operating conditions in converter-dominated power systems, the virtual inertia formed by VSG must be adaptive. At the same time, the efficiency of adaptive algorithms strongly depends on the used VSG structure. In this connection, this paper proposes an enhanced VSG structure for which the transfer function of the active power control loop was formed. With the help of it, the advantages over the conventional VSG structure were proven, which are necessary for the effective adaptive control of the VSG parameters. Then, the analysis of the impact of the VSG parameters on the dynamic response using the transient characteristics in the time domain was performed. Based on the results obtained, adaptive algorithms for independent control of the virtual inertia and the parameters of the VSG damper winding were developed. The performed mathematical modeling confirmed the reliable and effective operation of the developed adaptive control algorithms and the enhanced VSG structure. The theoretical and experimental results obtained in this paper indicate the need for simultaneous development and improvement of both adaptive control algorithms and VSG structures used for this purpose.

Frequency control is one of the most important tasks in electric power systems. At the same time, in modern power systems with inertia-free converter-interfaced generation, this task has become more complex. Such an issue is especially relevant for microgrids, which are characterized by a significant increase in the rate of change of frequency and its nadir or zenith. An effective way is through the use of energy storage systems (ESSs) with a grid-forming control in microgrids. For this purpose, this paper proposes a novel structure of the control algorithm based on a current-control virtual synchronous generator (CC-VSG), in which the damping is performed using a feedforward controller. In addition, a simple proportional–integral controller is added to the CC-VSG structure to control the state of charge of the ESS. The performed frequency analysis proves the independence of the different control loop operations within the developed CC-VSG. At the same time, a methodology based on the bandwidth separation of different control loops is proposed for the CC-VSG tuning, which allows for the achievement of the desired quality of frequency regulation in the microgrid, taking into account both the energy recovery and the permissible frequency variation. Finally, the time-domain simulation using PSCAD/EMTDC is performed to confirm the obtained results.

A key direction of the development of modern power systems is the application of a continuously increasing number of grid-forming power converters to provide various system services. One of the possible strategies for the implementation of grid-forming control is a control algorithm based on a virtual synchronous generator (VSG). However, at present, the problem of VSG operation under abnormal conditions associated with an increase in output current remains unsolved. Existing current saturation algorithms (CSAs) lead to the degradation of grid-forming properties during overcurrent limiting or reduce the possible range of current output. In this regard, this paper proposes to use the structure of modified current-controlled VSG (CC-VSG) instead of traditional voltage-controlled VSG. A current vector amplitude limiter is used to limit the output current in the CC-VSG structure. At the same time, the angle of the current reference vector continues to be regulated based on the emerging operating conditions due to the voltage feedback in the used VSG equations. The presented simulation results have shown that it was possible to achieve a wide operating range for the current phase from 0° to 180° in comparison with a traditional VSG algorithm. At the same time, the properties of the grid-forming inverter, such as power synchronization without phase-locked loop controller, voltage, and frequency control, are preserved. In addition, in order to avoid saturation of the voltage controller, it is proposed to use a simple algorithm of blocking and switching the reference signal from the setpoint to the current voltage level. Due to this structure, it was possible to prevent saturation of integrators in the control loops and to provide a guaranteed exit from the limiting mode. The results of adding this structure showed a five-second reduction in the overvoltage that occurs when it is absent. A comparison with conditional integration also showed that it prevented lock-up in the limiting mode. The results of experimental verification of the developed prototype of the inverter with CC-VSG control and CSA are also given, including a comparison with the serial model of the hybrid inverter. The results obtained showed that the developed algorithm excludes both the dead time and the load current loss when the external grid is disconnected. In addition, there is no tripping during overload, unlike a hybrid inverter.

In the last decade, a rather new phenomenon related to subsynchronous oscillations (SSO) in a wide frequency range has emerged in modern power grids with power converters. The consequences of these oscillations can be severe system accidents, which have already occurred in various power systems. Taking into account the importance of studying such oscillations for effective mitigation and the existing gaps in understanding the mechanisms of SSO occurrence due to different combinations of used controllers in the inverter control system, as well as the grid parameters, a frequency analysis of simplified grid inverter models is performed. As a result, five different mechanisms of SSO occurrence, the affecting factors and the level of inverter model detail required for the adequate study of SSO are justified. The developed detailed state–space model allowed for verifying the obtained results, as well as identifying an additional sixth mechanism of SSO occurrence. The common condition for the occurrence of all the identified SSO mechanisms is a weak grid with a short-circuit ratio of less than two. The results of control hardware-in-the-loop testing confirmed the conclusions drawn. As a result, a classification of SSO occurrence mechanisms was formed, reflecting their causes and distinctive features.