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Frequency control is one of the most important tasks in electric power systems. At the same time, in modern power systems with inertia-free converter-interfaced generation, this task has become more complex. Such an issue is especially relevant for microgrids, which are characterized by a significant increase in the rate of change of frequency and its nadir or zenith. An effective way is through the use of energy storage systems (ESSs) with a grid-forming control in microgrids. For this purpose, this paper proposes a novel structure of the control algorithm based on a current-control virtual synchronous generator (CC-VSG), in which the damping is performed using a feedforward controller. In addition, a simple proportional–integral controller is added to the CC-VSG structure to control the state of charge of the ESS. The performed frequency analysis proves the independence of the different control loop operations within the developed CC-VSG. At the same time, a methodology based on the bandwidth separation of different control loops is proposed for the CC-VSG tuning, which allows for the achievement of the desired quality of frequency regulation in the microgrid, taking into account both the energy recovery and the permissible frequency variation. Finally, the time-domain simulation using PSCAD/EMTDC is performed to confirm the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

• Enhanced current-controlled virtual synchronous generator with feedforward controller is proposed. • Feedforward controller affects mainly the low-frequency roots without worsening VSG inertial response. • Enhanced CC-VSG ensures stable operation in a wide range of grid strength conditions. Novel grid-forming control strategies based on the virtual synchronous generator (VSG) algorithm are becoming a key technology for power converters in modern hybrid power systems. This paper considers an alternative current-controlled VSG structure (CC-VSG). However, this structure is complex third-order system and is characterized by the lack of damping torque when the grid strength changes. Therefore, in this paper an enhancement of the CC-VSG damping properties via a feedforward controller is proposed. The analysis of the closed-loop transfer function demonstrates the reduction of the model order to the second order due to the proposed controller. By analyzing the state-space model, the predominant impact of the gain of the developed controller on the low-frequency roots is proved. As a result, it is concluded that the enhanced CC-VSG structure is efficient, stable and can be flexibly tuned to obtain any desired dynamic response under different grid strength conditions and load variation. [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]

• 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 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]