As the energy sector accelerates towards a future dominated by renewable sources, the stability of power grids is becoming an increasingly pressing concern. A recent study published by Sander Lid Skogen, a researcher at the Intelligent Electrical Power Grids department of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, sheds light on how grid-forming converters can play a pivotal role in maintaining stability in high-renewable energy systems.
Skogen’s research, published in the IEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy, focuses on the oscillatory stability of power systems under high penetration of renewable energy. Using a sophisticated Root Mean Square (RMS) synthetic model of the future 380 kV Dutch power system, Skogen and his team simulated various scenarios to understand how grid-forming (GFM) converters can influence system stability.
The findings are both promising and cautionary. “Grid-forming converters significantly improve frequency stability and damping performance across different perturbations, particularly at higher GFM penetration levels,” Skogen explains. This is a crucial insight for energy providers and grid operators, as it suggests that GFM converters can help mitigate the inherent variability of renewable energy sources, ensuring a more stable power supply.
However, the study also highlights potential risks. At high penetration levels of GFM converters, various oscillatory modes can present stability challenges. This means that while GFM converters can enhance stability, they must be carefully integrated and managed to avoid new issues. “The analysis of controller parameters highlighted the critical importance of tuning active power parameters to ensure system stability,” Skogen notes. This underscores the need for precise tuning and optimization of GFM converter settings to maintain system resilience.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As countries around the world strive to meet their renewable energy targets, the integration of GFM converters could be a game-changer. These converters can provide essential ancillary services, helping to balance supply and demand in real-time. This could lead to more reliable power grids, reduced outages, and lower operational costs for energy providers.
Moreover, the study provides valuable guidance for future system planning and regulatory frameworks. Energy regulators and policymakers will need to consider the optimal penetration levels and settings for GFM converters to ensure grid stability. This could involve new standards and guidelines for the deployment of GFM converters, as well as incentives for energy providers to adopt these technologies.
The research also opens up new avenues for innovation. Energy technology companies could develop advanced GFM converters with improved tuning capabilities, or create intelligent control systems that automatically optimize GFM settings based on real-time grid conditions. This could lead to a new generation of grid-forming technologies that are more adaptable and resilient.
In the broader context, Skogen’s work is a testament to the importance of research and development in the energy sector. As we transition to a more sustainable energy future, it is crucial that we understand the technical challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This study provides a significant step forward in that understanding, offering insights that could shape the future of power system stability and the energy transition.