Virtual Synchronous Generator Control Research Articles

Seamless Switching Control Strategy for a Power Conversion System in a Microgrid Based on Extended State Observer and Super-Twisting Algorithm

Microgrids can operate stably in both islanded and grid-connected modes, and the transition between these modes enhances system reliability and flexibility, enabling microgrids to adapt to diverse operational requirements and environmental conditions. The switching process, however, may introduce transient voltage and frequency fluctuations, causing voltage and current shocks to the grid and potentially damaging devices and systems connected to the microgrid. To address this issue, this study introduces a novel approach based on the Extended State Observer (ESO) and the Super-Twisting Algorithm (STA). Power conversion systems use Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) control and Power-Quality (PQ) control when they are connected to the grid or when the microgrid is not connected to the grid. VSG and PQ share a current loop. Transitioning the reference current generated by the outer loop achieves the switching of control strategies. A real-time observer is designed to estimate and compensate for current fluctuations, disturbances, and variations in id, iq, and system parameters during the switching process to facilitate a smooth transition of control strategies. Furthermore, to enhance the dynamic response and robustness of the system, the Proportional–Integral (PI) controller in the ESO is replaced with a novel super-twisting sliding mode controller based on a boundary layer. The Lyapunov stability principle is applied to ensure asymptotic stability under disturbances. The proposed control strategy is validated through simulation using a seamless switching model of the power conversion system developed on the Matlab/Simulink (R2021b) platform. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimized control strategy enables smooth microgrid transitions, thereby improving the overall reliability of grid operations.

VSG‐controlled parallel‐connected voltage‐source converters in low‐voltage microgrid with dominant resistive impedance

AbstractThis paper deals with the control and performance improvement of parallel‐operated voltage‐source inverters (VSIs) controlled as virtual synchronous generators (VSGs). In publications regarding the parallel‐operated VSGs, transmission lines are considered to be mainly inductive. However, less analytical works have been done regarding the control of paralleled VSGs in low‐voltage grids with dominant resistive impedances. Once VSIs are controlled as VSGs in a microgrid with more resistive transmission lines, swing equation and system representation for the power‐angle synchronization will change leading to a new control structure. Therefore, this paper deals with the control of parallel‐operated converter‐based VSGs in low‐voltage grids with dominant resistive line impedances. In this way, the VSG representation, comprising the swing equation and V‐P droop characteristic, for applications in highly resistive microgrids is presented, in which the swing equation and VSG frequency are related to reactive power. Then, the V‐P droop characteristic is modified and an enhanced P‐V droop characteristic for proper sharing of active power between the VSGs in highly resistive microgrids is proposed. Next, the VSG control is modified so that the R/X ratio at the VSG output increases and thus the decoupled control of active/reactive powers in relatively inductive cases is realized as well.

An Algorithm for Calculating the Parameter Selection Area of a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Based on the Guardian Map Method

Large-scale wind farms incorporating doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) are considered a promising direction for modern energy supply systems due to their role in reducing dependence on fossil energy sources. However, the dynamic interactions between DFIGs and AC grids sometimes lead to sub-synchronous oscillation (SSO) that threatens the safe and stable operation of wind power systems. Therefore, it is essential to develop a mathematical model and design an algorithm to quantitatively design the control parameters. Such algorithms are helpful in preventing or mitigating system stability problems coming from wind power connected to the grid and reducing damage to power equipment. The traditional state-space model is mainly established to determine the stable operating point and analyze the influence of parameters on the system operating mode. However, this method does not provide the selection area for the system parameters. To address this shortcoming, this paper introduces a modular state-space model for DFIGs containing series compensation lines and proposes an algorithm for calculating the parameter selection area based on the Guardian map method. First, a detailed modular state-space model based on the virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control is established. The modular model helps to reflect the relationship between state variables and focuses on describing the operating state of DFIGs in wind farms. Second, this paper focuses on the influence of VSG control parameters and compensation capacitance on SSO. It aims to clarify the role of the series compensation level and control parameters on SSO based on VSG control. Then, an algorithm for the parameter selection area based on the Guardian map is proposed and the area of the VSG-controlled DFIG is obtained. Finally, the accuracy and validity of the algorithm are verified by time domain simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and HIL experiment.

Stability Region of Grid-Forming Wind Turbine with Variable Parameters Using Bialternate Sum Matrix Approach

Although the stability regions of wind turbines in the islanding mode have been widely researched, small-signal modeling of grid-forming wind turbines (GFWTs) in the islanding mode has yet to be explored. In addition, the state-space matrix of the wind turbine system has yet to be fully represented. Therefore, this paper proposes a small-signal modeling of GFWT and a method for identifying the stabilization region of a system with variable parameters. First, small-signal modeling of a GFWT based on virtual synchronous generator control is developed. Second, the bialternate sum matrix approach is used to determine the system stabilization region. The system matrix with multiple variable parameters is first decomposed into the sum of several matrices in this paper. Furthermore, the rotor-side generator control is simplified. It can reduce the dimensionality of the system matrix model. Finally, the simulation shows that the proposed method for determining the stabilization region of the variable system is accurate.

An improved design for virtual synchronous generator control loop based on synergy theory

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) technology has achieved some results in distributed generation networks and enhanced system stability. For problems that may occur in the system due to ignoring parameter linkages, this paper designs a synergistic controller that establishes the connection between the active frequency and the reactive voltage control loop based on synergy theory. As the output of the synergetic controller, the derived control law u is added to the power frequency control in the form of negative feedback. Two disturbance forms, a step disturbance, and a three-phase short-circuit fault, are set up. The conventional droop control and synergetic droop control results are compared using a MATLAB simulation system. Then, the system parameter variations were studied and analyzed, and the sensitivity of the control system with different values of parameters K1, K2, and K3 in the case of a three-phase short circuit was analyzed, which provides a reference guide for selecting parameters in later control optimization. Finally, the control effectiveness of a multi-machine VSG system was tested. The simulation results show that the proposed method has a pronounced effect on making the system stabilize quickly, which illustrates the effectiveness of this technique.

A novel reinforcement learning policy optimization based adaptive VSG control technique for improved frequency stabilization in AC microgrids

In this paper, an improved Reinforcement Learning (RL) based approach for adaptive Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) control of grid-forming inverters is proposed. High penetration of inverter-based resources causes recurrent frequency stabilization issues. For this matter, a novel model-free Actor–Critic policy optimization technique is proposed to improve frequency transients metrics such as frequency nadir and Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF). Stability analysis of the VSG controlled system is conducted through small signal modeling to determine the stability margins of both the virtual inertia parameter J and damping coefficient Dp. The control problem is formulated in RL terms using a new technique for state, action and reward construction that improves the learning process of the agents. The proposed approach’s efficiency is tested for three RL algorithms, namely, Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), Soft Actor–Critic (SAC), and Twin-Delayed DDPG (TD3) with special attention given to the latter. Various performance metrics such as training time and maximum cumulative episodic reward are used to compare the three algorithms. The resulting agent based VSG adaptive controllers are simulated and then compared for power quality and frequency stabilization capabilities. Finally, a comparison between non-adaptive VSG and TD3 based VSG is presented to conclude on the efficiency improvements achieved by the proposed approach.

The Influence of Additional Virtual Synchronous Generator Technology in VSC-MTDC Systems with Wind Power on System Frequency

Introduction: A frequency control strategy is proposed based on additional virtual synchronous generator technology for voltage source converter-based multi-terminal high voltage direct current systems with wind power. Method: This strategy addresses the system's inertia reduction and frequency stability issues caused by integrating large amounts of wind power through multi-terminal DC transmission. Firstly, the virtual synchronous generator mathematical model is constructed based on the system structure. Secondly, for the problem of zero rotational inertia of voltage source converter in a flexible DC transmission system, based on the P-U droop control method of the converter station, additional virtual synchronous control generation technology is applied to simulate the P-f droop characteristics of the synchronous generator by adding virtual rotational inertia, so that the converter has the inertial response of synchronous generator to realize primary frequency regulation. Result: Finally, the simulation is verified on the PSCAD/ EMTDC platform with an example of a three-terminal parallel MTDC transmission system. Conclusion: the analyzed results demonstrate that the virtual synchronous generator control strategy is very valuable and useful for improving the frequency performance of the system.

A Method to Improve Both Frequency Stability and Transient Stability of Virtual Synchronous Generators during Grid Faults

Transient stability and frequency stability of virtual synchronous generator (VSG)-controlled converters during grid faults are critical for the stable operation of high-share renewable energy power systems. However, the existing transient stability methods often overlook the consideration of frequency stability. This paper presents a method to improve both frequency stability and transient stability of VSGs during grid faults. The influence mechanism of inertia and damping on transient stability and frequency stability is comprehensively analyzed under two types of faults, with or without stable equilibrium points. To address the conflict between frequency stability and transient stability of VSGs with large inertia under the first type of fault, an improved VSG control with angular frequency deviation feedback is proposed. The transient response of this control method is analyzed using small-signal and large-signal models. Furthermore, to achieve optimal dynamic performance, this improved VSG control introduces the optimal damping ratio and presents a parameter design method. Finally, the correctness of the proposed method and its theoretical analysis is verified through experimental results.

Extensive assessment of virtual synchronous generators in intentional island mode

Virtual Synchronous Generators (VSGs) are considered one of the most effective cutting-edge technologies for seamlessly integrating Renewable Energy Systems (RESs) into power grids. While various VSG control schemes have been proposed and analysed for different technical aspects, not many experimental demonstrations have been published about VSGs operating in Intentional Island Mode (IIM). Inversely, the IIM has become increasingly attractive, nowadays, to energize those remote areas of the world where entire districts are served by a small number of RESs operating off-grid. In this scenario, the main objective of this paper is to present an extensive performance assessment of the VSG operating in IIM. Different working conditions are considered, with special focus on: black start capability, grid-connected-to-IIM transition, grid reconnection, feeding of non-linear and asymmetric local loads, load sharing between multiple VSGs operating in parallel. In order to achieve this objective, an improved structure of VSG is implemented on 8kVA three-phase converters and significant experimental results are presented. Algorithms for black start capability and grid synchronization are illustrated in detail as well. Meaningful information is provided for engineers involved in activity of designing and testing islanded VSGs.

Low voltage ride through control strategy of permanent magnet wind turbine based on improved virtual synchronous generator control

Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional low voltage control strategies for permanent magnet wind turbines in supporting microgrid stability and the inability of traditional virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control to ride through voltage drops, this paper proposes an improved control low voltage ride through (LVRT) strategy based on traditional low voltage control and VSG control methods. This strategy switches to reactive priority mode during the LVRT period, enabling VSG control to have LVRT function and meet the LVRT requirements standards. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy.

A Frequency Control Strategy for EV Stations Based on MPC-VSG in Islanded Microgrids

The inertia level of microgrids decreases with the access of inverter-based distributed generations. Uncertainty of source loads in islanded microgrids can lead to frequency instability. Considering electric vehicles (EVs) as a typical regulable load, a charging station (CS) virtual synchronous generator (VSG) frequency control (FC) strategy that considers the user charging and grid FC demand is proposed. First, the control architecture of CS based on the VSG is designed. Second, considering the impact of VSG FC on EV user charging demand, the charging power response model considering the charging power FC cost is designed. Furthermore, multi-objective model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is designed to improve the VSG control strategy, and the FC strategy is obtained. Simulation results show that the proposed method can provide inertial support and frequency regulation capability by the CS with VSG control strategy while satisfying EV charging demand. In addition, the FC cost can be decreased.

A Feedforward Control-Based Power Decoupling Strategy for Grid-Forming Grid-Connected Inverters

Grid-forming inverters, which are represented by droop control and virtual synchronous generator control, have been widely studied and applied because of their excellent grid-supporting ability and smooth off-grid switching. When a grid-forming inverter is connected to a microgrid or utility grid, the control loops of active power and reactive power will be coupled because of the voltage phase difference, which will affect the power control performance. This paper first derives the small-signal linearized model of the system, based on which a frequency feedforward control and an amplitude feedforward control are proposed to decouple the active power and reactive power control loops, respectively. The proposed decoupling strategy directly modifies the reference values through feedforward with an easily implementable principle that is applicable to various control coordinate systems, control coordinate systems, and control structures. By comparing system models with and without the proposed decoupling strategy, its effectiveness can be theoretically proven. Time-domain simulations and hardware experiments are presented to further validate its effectiveness.

An Improved Grid-connected Pre-Synchronization Method based on Virtual Synchronous Generator Control in Power Conversion System

Under the background of vigorously promoting the construction of new power system，the power conversion system(PCS) plays an important role to transfer high reliable electrical power quality to grid. However, the system is sensitive to the voltage deviation on both side of point of common coupling(PCC) when switching from off-grid mode to grid-connected mode directly, it leads to surge currents or even threaten system stability.In this paper, an improved grid-connected pre-synchronization method for smooth grid connection is proposed. The system adds a pre-synchronization module on the basis of virtual synchronous generator(VSG) control to synchronize the voltage between the PCS and the grid. In addition, a slope control unit is introduced to further avoid the potential surge current problem at the moment of grid connection. Finally, the experimental results of simulation is verified the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme.

Systematic Methods to Eliminate the Transient Circulating Powers in the Multi-VSGs System

When multiple virtual synchronous generators (VSG)s operate in parallel in an islanded microgrid, the sudden load power change could lead to significant transient circulating (and oscillating) power. In this paper, the transient circulating power is first analyzed with the two-VSGs small signal model. On this basis, the paper defines parameter design principles that theoretically eliminate all transient circulating power. Due to the line impedances uncertainty in practice, the ideal parameter design is not always available. Then, to suppress the remaining transient circulating power, an enhanced VSG (EVSG) control strategy is further proposed, by deriving and revising a two-VSGs transfer function from load disturbance to power angles difference. The proposed parameter design principles and the EVSG can be applied sequentially, so that the transient circulating power can be systematically suppressed without the side-effects as in existing methods. An experimental platform with 3 VSGs is established. The parameter design principles and the EVSG are thoroughly validated by experimental results. This is also the first time the 3-VSGs experimental results are reported, while all the existing literature has 2-VSGs data. It confirms that the two-VSGs analytical results can be extended to systems with more VSGs.

Adaptive Supplementary Control of VSG Based on Virtual Impedance for Current Limiting in Grid-Connected and Islanded Microgrids

By applying virtual synchronous generator (VSG) method in high penetration level microgrids, current limiting issue under fault condition has become an important challenge. The main objective of this paper is to propose a novel current limiting strategy which has the capability of voltage tracking error reduction to avoid voltage controller saturation. This purpose is obtained by adaptive virtual impedance-based reference voltage correction during fault condition. Furthermore, positive and negative peak detection-based current limiting method implemented in double loop control system prepares soft transition ability. Moreover, this current limiting method generates the adaptive term of virtual impedance part. In contrast to conventional VSG methods, the proposed approach provides high quality voltage and current for microgrid in both grid-connected and islanded modes during fault conditions. The offline and hardware in the loop (HIL) simulation results confirm that the peak current of the inverter is restricted to the threshold value under symmetrical and asymmetrical faults for two operating modes of microgrid.

A Bidirectional Grid-Friendly Charger Design for Electric Vehicle Operated under Pulse-Current Heating and Variable-Current Charging

Low-temperature preheating, fast charging, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities are important factors for the further development of electric vehicles (EVs). However, for conventional two-stage chargers, the EV charging/discharging instructions and grid instructions cannot be addressed simultaneously for specific requirements, pulse heating and variable-current charging can cause high-frequency power fluctuations at the grid side. Therefore, it is necessary to design a bidirectional grid-friendly charger for EVs operated under pulse-current heating and variable-current charging. The DC bus, which serves as the medium connecting the bidirectional DC–DC and bidirectional DC–AC, typically employs capacitors. This paper analyzes the reasons why the use of capacitors in the DC bus cannot satisfy the grid and EV requirements, and it proposes a new DC bus configuration that utilizes energy storage batteries instead of capacitors. Due to the voltage-source characteristics of the energy storage batteries, EV instructions and grid instructions can be flexibly and smoothly scheduled by using phase-shift control and adaptive virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control, respectively. In addition, the stability of the control strategy is demonstrated using small signal modeling. Finally, typical operating conditions (such as EV pulse preheating, fast charging with variable current, and grid peak shaving and valley filling) are selected for validation. The results show that in the proposed charger, the grid scheduling instructions and EV charging/discharging instructions do not interfere with each other, and different commands between EVs also do not interfere with each other under a charging pile with dual guns. Without affecting the requirements of EVs, the grid can change the proportion of energy supply based on actual scenarios and can also obtain energy from either EVs or energy storage batteries. For the novel charger, the pulse modulation time for EVs consistently achieves a steady state within 0.1 s; thus, the pulse modulation speed is as much as two times faster than that of conventional chargers with identical parameters.

A novel virtual synchronous generator control scheme of DFIG-based wind turbine generators based on the rotor current-induced electromotive force

This paper focuses on the research of virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control technology for the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines. The key for DFIG VSG operation is to construct an internal electromotive force (EMF) with the virtual rotor motion characteristic in the stator. The existing control schemes use the rotor or mutual flux-induced EMF as the internal EMF. Since the flux corresponds to a composite magnetic field generated together by the stator and rotor current. Any variations in the stator current caused by external disturbances will reflect on the rotor current to keep the flux constant. The rotor overcurrent is inevitable under a large external disturbance, threatening the safety of the rotor-side converter (RSC). Moreover, the flux is immeasurable. The accurate flux control depends on flux observers, increasing the complexity; while the control without observers cannot ensure the effectiveness, leading to control failure. To address these problems, a novel DFIG VSG control scheme with the rotor current-induced EMF as the internal EMF is proposed in this paper. The internal EMF is corresponded to the single magnetic field generated only by the rotor current. This can lead to the following benefits: the rotor current will not vary with the stator current and can be limited under large external disturbances, ensuring the safety of the RSC; the rotor current can be directly measured without the need for extra observers, reducing the difficulty of control implementations; the underlying controlled vector is unified with the traditional grid-following DFIG, favoring the retrofit of the installed DFIGs. Compared to the existing schemes, this scheme has a larger equivalent internal impedance. An additional rotor current-terminal voltage magnitude droop control is added to effectively restrain the problems brought by this larger impedance. Simulation and analysis results demonstrate that the proposed DFIG VSG control scheme effectively addresses problems in the existing schemes. Moreover, the results also exhibit that the scheme has a robust adaptability across a wide range of short-circuit ratios and possesses the grid-forming ability independent of SGs.

A virtual synchronous generator control method in microgrid with vehicle-to-grid system

Abstract The inertia in power systems plays a very important role in stabilizing the power system. With the growth of distributed generation (DG)/renewable energy source (RES) penetration in the power grid, there has been a concern about the lack of inertia in the power system. One of the solutions to solve the problem is to use the Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) control method. For energy storage, the Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) storage system can replace the traditional hybrid energy storage which consists of batteries and supercapacitors. This application will be implemented in Microgrid. The article will focus on simulating the Microgrid with the V2G system and solar energy as a renewable energy source, the inverters are controlled by the method of VSG control. The models will be simulated and the results will be shown on MATLAB/SIMULINK software.

A Review of Recent Control Trchniques of Virtual Synchronous Machine for Renewable Energy

Abstract Increased distributed generation (DG) integration into power system via power electronic devices results in a reduction in the total equivalent inertia of power grid utility, which lead to serve frequency stability and performance degradation of the power system. To facilitate the penetration of DG into the power grid utility, improved control schemes of the power electronics converter based DG are required to improve the system stability when it is dominated by DG based inverter. A virtual synchronous generator (VSG ) approach is suggested, which consists in controlling the static power converter to mimic the essential dynamic behavior of the conventional synchronous generator. The main objective of this paper is to review the most recent topologies of virtual inertia control. Along this work, a detail description of each topology is presented. In addition, VSG control equations given voltage and frequency control is explained in detail. The VSG problems and future research on VSG control are discussed.

Simultaneous compensation of distorted DC bus and AC side voltage using enhanced virtual synchronous generator in Islanded DC microgrid

ABSTRACT There are many effective techniques for virtual inertia emulation in DC microgrids that can help DC bus voltage stability through power exchange with virtual inertia injection. But one of the vexingly complicated challenges in virtual inertia emulation is the connection of unbalanced loads on the AC side of a DC microgrid. Unbalanced AC loads connected to a DC microgrid may cause severe fluctuations in DC bus voltage and battery power, as well as distorting AC side voltage. The need to solve this issue is very important because it can be a threat to the microgrid DC bus voltage stability and feed sensitive loads. One effective method to mimic the real inertia feature and dampen the unfavourable unbalanced conditions is to employ a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) equipped with a decoupled double synchronous reference frame (DDSRF) approach. The DDSRF can extract positive and negative components with high precision and create pure DC signals for the control system to improve accuracy and controllability. Hence, this paper investigates a combination of a VSG structure enhanced with a DDSRF technique to attenuate the fluctuations of DC bus voltage, battery power, and AC-side voltage caused by an unbalanced AC load in an islanded DC microgrid. The simulation results confirm that the unbalanced loads connected to the AC side of the microgrid are destructive for DC bus voltage, battery power, and also create voltage imbalances for AC loads. Furthermore, the proposed DDSRF-based VSG control system that has been implemented on the AC side of the microgrid can strongly dampen the fluctuations on the DC bus, battery, and AC loads.