Enhancement of low-voltage ride-through capability for virtual synchronous generators based on virtual impedance voltage control

Abstract

Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG)-based grid-forming converters (GFC) increasingly serve as interfaces between renewable energy resources and the power grids with high penetration. Although the emulation of the characteristics of Synchronous Generator (SG) enables GFC to provide virtual inertia and oscillation damping under the VSG control, it remains challenging to replicate the short-circuit behaviors of SGs under the grid voltage sag/recovery conditions. The existing technologies are limited and lack full functionalities in terms of power synchronization, overcurrent suppression and capability of dealing with asymmetric grid-faults. This paper presents a Virtual Impedance Voltage Control (VIVC) strategy to enhance the fault-ride-through capability of the converter under a variety of fault conditions. In the case of asymmetric faults, a negative-sequence current control is performed to mitigate the negative-sequence voltages and achieve the grid current balance. The fault current is restrained and the power synchronization is improved by the virtual reactance without oversizing the GFC. The simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies.