In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, the integration of inverter-based resources like wind and solar power has presented unique challenges for grid stability. As European grid operators in ENTSO-E and others grapple with reduced system inertia and short-circuit power, a groundbreaking study led by Norbert R. Klaes from HTW-Berlin, University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany, offers a promising solution. Published in the IEEE Open Journal of the Industrial Electronics Society, the research delves into the immunity of grid-forming control without energy storage to transient changes in grid frequency and phase.
The study addresses a critical issue: as more inverter-based resources and grid-following STATCOMS and HVDC terminals come online, the grid’s stability is increasingly at risk. Traditional grid-forming controls often require these resources to operate at less than optimal power output or to incorporate energy storage, both of which drive up costs. Klaes’ research proposes a novel approach that extends grid-forming control capabilities without the need for additional storage.
“This proposed control scheme gives grid-forming control the necessary immunity to negative frequency or phase changes without the need to rely on a fast phase-locked loop or fast current control loops,” Klaes explains. This means that renewable energy sources can provide grid support without compromising their efficiency or requiring costly upgrades.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. By enhancing grid stability, this research could pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective integration of renewable energy sources. This could lead to a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, benefiting both consumers and energy providers alike. As Klaes notes, “The proposed extensions give grid-forming control the necessary immunity to negative frequency or phase changes without the need to rely on a fast phase-locked loop or fast current control loops.”
The study’s findings have been evaluated against the ENTSO-E Phase I report of the task force grid-forming control, published in April 2024, ensuring its practical applicability and robustness. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this one will be crucial in shaping a future where renewable energy sources can reliably and efficiently support the grid.
