Recent advancements in energy storage systems (ESS) have significant implications for the future of power management, particularly in microgrids. A study led by Alisher Askarov from the School of Energy & Power Engineering at the National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University has introduced a novel control algorithm designed to enhance the performance of virtual synchronous generators (VSGs) in these decentralized energy networks. Published in the journal Mathematics, the research addresses the pressing issue of frequency control in modern power systems, which has become increasingly complex due to the rise of renewable energy sources (RES) that typically operate without the inertia provided by traditional fossil fuel generators.
As renewable energy integration grows, maintaining stable frequency levels in power systems has become a critical challenge. Askarov’s research highlights that the conventional grid-following controls are insufficient for managing the rapid changes in frequency that often occur in microgrids. The proposed solution involves a modified current-controlled virtual synchronous generator (CC-VSG) that utilizes a feedforward controller to enhance damping properties and an energy recovery control loop to effectively manage the state of charge (SoC) of the ESS.
“This work demonstrates the necessity of a significant enhancement of damping properties of the conventional VSG structure to suppress the emerging resonance,” Askarov explains. The CC-VSG design allows for improved frequency regulation while simultaneously addressing the energy recovery needs of the battery systems. This dual capability is crucial for ensuring that microgrids can operate efficiently, especially during disturbances that could otherwise lead to instability.
From a commercial perspective, this research opens new avenues for energy storage technology companies. As the demand for reliable and resilient power systems increases, especially in remote or off-grid locations, the ability to integrate ESS with advanced control strategies will be a key selling point. The enhanced performance of microgrids equipped with Askarov’s CC-VSG could lead to a reduction in the nominal energy capacity required from battery systems, making them more cost-effective for operators.
Moreover, the findings suggest that the proposed algorithm could be adapted for existing microgrids, allowing operators to upgrade their systems without complete overhauls. Askarov notes, “The proposed approach to VSG tuning on the basis of the bandwidth separation of different control loops provided an effective SoC recovery without a negative impact on the microgrid frequency control.” This flexibility could encourage more widespread adoption of advanced energy storage solutions in various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
The research also underscores the importance of developing experimental setups to validate these theoretical models in real-world scenarios. Future work will focus on practical implementations that can further refine the control strategies and enhance the operational capabilities of battery energy storage systems.
In summary, the innovative control algorithm for virtual synchronous generators presented by Askarov and his team represents a significant advancement in the field of energy storage and frequency control. This research not only addresses current challenges in power management but also lays the groundwork for future developments in microgrid technology, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
