Comparative small-signal evaluation of advanced grid-forming control techniques

Abstract

This paper presents the small-signal modelling and analysis of the most recent grid-forming control techniques, namely the matching control (MC) and the dispatchable virtual oscillator (dVOC). These are compared to more classical SME techniques such as synchronverters (SV) and voltage-controlled virtual synchronous machines (VCVSM) under different grid conditions. In addition to studying the time-domain response (inertial behaviour, steady-state operation point, etc.), a thorough evaluation of the dominant eigenvalues of each control is carried out by obtaining the participation factors and the sensitivity to physical and control parameter variations. Simulation results are obtained for a grid-forming converter connected to a dynamic grid model that emulates different properties of low-inertia power systems—e.g. primary reserve, inertial strength, coupling strength, etc. Besides, hardware-in-the-loop experimental results are presented to validate the analysis.