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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of system support services by converter-interfaced generation (CIG), which were previously assigned to the conventional synchronous generation, is a challenging task extremely necessary for the stable operation and control of modern power systems. The most promising solution in this direction is the application of grid-forming control strategies for the CIG. This paper proposes a CIG' control system based on a freely configurable structure of a virtual synchronous generator (FC-VSG). In this control system, different levels of the inverter control are implemented in parallel, and in order to improve the transient performance and damping properties of CIG, the inertial and governor response are coupled at the inner control level, a voltage regulator is added at the outer control level, as well as the combined use of a virtual damper winding and power system stabilizer is applied. Such solutions made it possible not only to mimic the behavior of a conventional rotating machines, but also to significantly improve the transients' dynamics. To show the effectiveness of the proposed control system, time-domain simulations and experimental case studies have been performed. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the dynamic response of the FC-VSG in comparison with both the conventional voltage-controlled VSG structure and the dynamics of a practical synchronous machine have been carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important hydrogen energy storage technologies, developed between 1974 and 2022, now enable the quality operation of global power grids that integrate alternative energy facilities (wind power, solar power, geothermal power, etc.). With the continuous large-scale penetration of converter-interfaced generation (CIG), based on the combined use of renewable energy sources (RES) and hydrogen energy storage systems (ESS), into practical power systems, the dynamic characteristics of the latter change significantly. New challenges with the power system control and stability arise due to the specific CIG properties. A positive-sequence time-domain simulation is frequently used to solve them. However, the known simplifications and limitations are inevitably applied in case of such simulation. These become critical for the CIG with RES and hydrogen ESS models due to their fast dynamics. Therefore, the validation of such simulation results becomes relevant. This paper proposes a novel validation approach based on the use of a benchmark tool Hybrid Real-Time Power System Simulator (HRTSim) instead of field measurements. A major feature of the proposed approach is the possibility of a guaranteed validation of the benchmark tool using any state of the modeled power system. A hybrid implementation of a detailed three-phase model of CIG is also developed for the HRTSim, which provides an adequate simulation of the full range of dynamic processes. The results of validation of a positive-sequence simulation of a practical power system with CIG, which includes both RES and hydrogen ESS, using the developed approach presented in this paper have allowed to identify the causes of calculation errors, as well as factors affecting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is a large-scale penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) in power systems around the world, most of which are based on the power converter technology. The result of such penetration is the emergence of frequency and voltage regulation problems in power systems with RESs. An effective way to solve the mentioned problems is the use of energy storage systems (ESS), among which hydrogen ESSs are promising. However, the quality of such solution mainly depends on the approach to the power converters control. One of the most effective is a grid-forming power converter control strategy. Within this strategy, many scientific groups have proposed the concept of a virtual synchronous generator (VSG). However, the existing VSG models use a series structure with a stiff direction of signals, which completely mimics conventional synchronous generators. In this regard, the fundamental problems inherent in such a structure arise, e.g., a coupling between active and reactive power control. This paper describes a freely configurable VSG model (FC-VSG), in which the structural control blocks can be transferred from one level to another, and the levels themselves can be installed not only in series, but also in parallel. The case studies carried out made it possible to identify the configuration of the FC-VSG, which excludes the fundamental problems inherent in the conventional VSG structures. At the same time, the most efficient and reliable frequency and voltage regulation is provided, which has been proved by qualitative and quantitative comparison, including with the conventional VSG structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The penetration of renewable-based converter-interfaced generation and flexible alternating current transmission systems significantly changes properties and dynamic characteristics of modern electric power systems, which leads to the need to take measures to ensure security of their operation. These measures may consist in using the capabilities of new penetrated units or in adapting conventional means. Such adaptation consists in reconfiguration of control systems, development of new systems or approaches to settings determination, which include tuning of automatic voltage regulators with power system stabilizers of conventional synchronous generation. This paper proposes a new approach to tuning of automatic voltage regulators, based on the use of the most complete and reliable information about processes in modern power systems. This approach allows to get settings that are most adequate to practical conditions of operation as part of power systems. For this purpose, the hybrid real-time power system simulator and concept of hybrid modeling are used, and within this paper, and the hybrid modeling tools necessary for the tuning process have been developed. The result of the study is a comprehensive assessment of the reliability of the simulation results obtained using the developed tools, which allows to conclude about the possibility of their application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An enhanced CC-VSG control is proposed for the application in weak and stiff grids. • Small-signal models of conventional VC-VSG and enhanced CC-VSG are compared. • A detailed analysis is provided to assess CC-VSG operation in weak and stiff grids. • The analysis is verified via EMT simulations. Currently, the academic and industrial community have considerable expectations for the modern power converter control strategy – a grid-forming control. Within this strategy, the most promising and effective is considered one based on the voltage-controlled virtual synchronous generator (VC-VSG). However, such control system is characterized by challenges in ensuring small-signal stability under continuously changing conditions of the grid strength. The major cause is associated with the emergence of the power coupling problem. Therefore, this paper proposes an enhanced control structure based on a current-controlled virtual synchronous generator (CC-VSG). Additionally, in this paper theoretical analysis, analysis of small-signal models in Matlab and experimental studies of detailed nonlinear models via PSCAD™/EMTDC™ for the conventional structure of VC-VSG and the proposed CC-VSG were performed. As a result, it has been proved that in the enhanced CC-VSG model the power coupling problem is practically excluded due to which small-signal stability is ensured in a wide range of short-circuit current ratio changes from 1 to 100. At the same time, a fast dynamic performance and a high damping level that provide an appropriate inertial response have been achieved. It is also proved that the improvement of damping by tuning the virtual damper winding allows to reduce the rise time and has a favorable impact on the inertial response of the CC-VSG model over the entire considered range of grid strength variation, which cannot be obtained for the conventional VC-VSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of renewable energy capacity, in particular photovoltaic systems, is creating challenges associated with changing the rate of transient processes in the power system. This is due to the approach PV systems are connected to the grid using power converters and the absence of a rotating mass in the PV power plant. One of the most pressing challenge is the participation of PV stations in the process of frequency control in power systems, including in emergency modes. Simultaneously with PV power plants, it is efficient to use energy storage systems, including hydrogen ones. This is due to the fact that it is possible to obtain hydrogen for such energy storage systems using excess energy from PV power plants. The article proposes to solve the problem of frequency regulation in the power system by using an algorithm that allows to control the frequency in the power system using a synthetic inertia block of PV station, including at different levels of insolation and temperature of PV panels. The robustness of the proposed algorithm allows it to be used at different levels of power generated by the PV station, as well as in emergency modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The synthesis of the modern VSG models into generic structures is performed. • The comprehensive assessment of the generic VSG structures is carried out. • The most reliable VSG structure for grid-connected operation is highlighted. The large-scale penetration of renewable energy sources has a significant impact on the steady-state operation and emergency control of modern electric power systems (EPS). Moreover, as a rule, the mentioned impact is negative. Therefore, the challenge associated with the development of a 'comprehensive' control strategy for renewables becomes extremely relevant. Such a strategy should ensure the same reliable operation of EPSs, as in the case of conventional synchronous generation. Among the existing directions, the concept of a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) is the most preferable. Within this paper, the synthesis and combination of the state-of-the-art concepts of VSG into generic structures has been performed. For the obtained structures, a comprehensive assessment and an experimental comparison were performed. On the basis of the results obtained, the benefits and drawbacks of the generic structures are highlighted, and a conclusion is made about the VSG structure, demonstrating the most effective and reliable operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant trend of the modern energy is the use of generating plants based on renewable energy sources, among which the most common is a wind power plant based on doubly fed induction generator (Type 3 WT). The large-scale introduction of Type 3 WT into the modern power systems significantly changes their dynamic properties. There are problems with ensuring the basic condition of the reliability and the survivability of power systems – the stability. The study and solution of the indicated problems is possible only with the help of the mathematical modeling of a large-scale power systems which is currently being carried out with the help of widespread purely numerical software tools of calculations of modes and processes, which are characterized by various simplifications and limitations. For the properties and capabilities of software tools for studying stability issues, mathematical models of Type 3 WT, the so-called generic models, which also have simplifications and limitations, are adapted. In this article, the reliability of stability calculations of a real power system with Type 3 WT using software tools was evaluated, which allows to identify the influence of the applied simplifications and restrictions with a purely numerical approach on the quality of solving problems of assessing the stability of power systems with Type 3 WT. Also, the studies made it possible to identify the areas of the application of generic models of Type 3 WT as a part of the model of the real dimension power system, at which the greatest and least errors arise, as well as their causes. Such a comprehensive assessment becomes feasible due to the alternative approach proposed in the article, based on the use of a detail benchmark tool model instead of the full-scale data to compare the results of modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel approach for relays tuning using detailed mathematical model. • Hybrid Real-Time Power System Simulator is used as a source of necessary data. • Proposed approach allows to adapt protection settings to practical conditions. The correct operation of relay protection (RP) devices largely determines the security of electric power systems (EPS). The key point that in turn determines the behavior of protection in various emergency modes is a determination of their settings. The existing methodologies and tools often do not allow to provide RP settings adequate to the practical conditions of their functioning. This statement is confirmed by the statistics of faults in EPSs. The main reason for this issue is the inability to reliably reproduce transients in EPS via the software programs used in practice to calculate the RP settings. The Hybrid Real-Time Power System Simulator (HRTSim), developed by the authors, allows to reliably reproduce the entire range of normal and emergency modes and processes in EPS of any scale, topology and configuration by using detailed three-phase models of all power system components. Taking into account this possibility and features of the HRTSim, the task of detailed modeling of RP devices, including instrument current and voltage transformers, becomes relevant. The implemented special tools for RP modeling and the HRTSim in general allow to develop a new methodology for RP tuning. At the same time, the typical elements – relays – can be identified for each type of RP that determine their operation algorithm. This paper presents an analysis of the main relays of the most modern microprocessor-based RP devices and proposed principles of their tuning. The developed approach allows to adapt the RP settings to the practical conditions of their functioning in EPSs and to minimize the probability of RP maloperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transience and unpredictability of processes in electric power systems (EPS) determine complexity of its control. This problem is especially relevant for EPS with renewable energy sources and flexible alternating current transmission systems technologies. Automatic control systems simplify the solution of this problem. Despite this, many issues related to EPS state control are solved by power system operators. Decision support systems (DSS) are applying to increase efficiency of operators work. However, existing algorithms in practice are inoperable in some cases: unrealizable decisions are formed, or decision cannot be found at all, etc. Another important problem is impossibility to preliminarily verify the proposed solution. In this regard, operators can additionally use EPS simulators, which are usually limited either by the size of simulated scheme or by the details of equipment mathematical models. The limitations are a consequence of numerical methods using, which are badly applicable for large-scale power systems simulation. In this article, a novel DSS has been developed based on a hybrid approach to EPS modeling combining properties and capabilities of several simulation techniques: analog, physical and digital. The implicit integration of differential equations in analog way makes possible modeling faster than real time. Such opportunity allows operator to verify more decisions and select the most effective ones. The algorithm for DSS application has been developed and described in the article. The properties and capabilities of the developed DSS are confirmed by experimental studies and tests in a real EPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]