Real-Time Implementation of Two Grid-Forming Power Converter Controls to Emulate Synchronous Generators

Abstract

Modern power systems are experiencing unprecedented penetration of integrating renewable energy sources (RES) to tackle the so-called climate emergency. But the transition from synchronous generators to converter-interfaced generators also produces a few issues, some of them directly related to the reduction (or lack) of rotational inertia. The voltage source converters (VSCs) enabled with the so-called grid-forming control may provide a solution for the converter-dominated electrical power systems. This paper presents the implementation of two control strategies, Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) and Synchronverter (SynC), for converter-interfaced generators in the real-time environment (Typhoon HIL) to emulate synchronous generator (SG) behaviour. The advantages of grid-forming converter control to provide inertia response service and make the system more robust to changes in the active power of loads have been demonstrated in real-time simulations through a scenario of a positive load step connected to the converter.