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Transient performance comparison of grid-forming converters with different FRT control strategies

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Abstract

Grid-forming converters (GFMs) are faced with the threat of transient inrush current and synchronization instability issues when subjected to grid faults. Instead of disconnecting from the grid unintentionally, GFMs are required to have fault ride through (FRT) capability to maintain safe and stable operation in grid-connected mode during grid fault periods. In recent studies, different FRT control strategies with distinguishing features and that are feasible for different operation conditions have been proposed for GFMs. To determine their application scope, an intuitive comparison of the transient performance of different FRT control strategies is presented in this paper. First, three typical FRT control strategies (virtual impedance, current limiters, and mode-switching control) are introduced and transient mathematical models are established. A detailed comparison analysis on transient inrush current and transient synchronization stability is then presented. The results will be useful for guiding the selection and design of FRT control strategies. Finally, simulation results based on PSCAD/EMTDC are considered to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52207190) and Jiangsu Excellent Postdoctoral Program, China (Grant No. 2022ZB80).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Electrical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 214135, China

    Chao Shen & Wei Gu

  2. Electric Power Test and Research Institute, Yunnan Power Grid, Kunming, 650032, China

    Enbo Luo

Authors
  1. Chao Shen
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  2. Wei Gu
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  3. Enbo Luo
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Correspondence to Chao Shen.

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Shen, C., Gu, W. & Luo, E. Transient performance comparison of grid-forming converters with different FRT control strategies. Front. Energy 17, 239–250 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-022-0856-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-022-0856-2

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