Support functions and grid-forming control on grid connected inverters
Igor Alves Maronni, Eliabe Duarte Queiroz, Joel Filipe Guerreiro, José Antenor Pomílio · Institution of Engineering and Technology eBooks · 2024
This chapter addresses some important roles of distributed energy resources (DERs) in the future electricity grid. New responsibilities are attributed to these systems as they become a relevant source of power. Power electronics-based renewable energy resources are generally connected to the electricity grid through an inverter. These devices are capable of providing support functions, such as ancillary services, which are essential for regulating the voltage and frequency of the grid in high penetration scenarios. Grid-connected inverters (GCIs) may be operated in voltage-control mode using the so-called grid-forming (GFM) strategies. This control technique enables active and reactive power control in grid-connected (GC) mode and smooth transition between GC and islanded mode, among other advantages. Therefore, GFM inverters are suitable to be used in grids, or microgrids, supporting voltage and frequency regulation. These topics are addressed in this chapter to provide a methodology for designing stable and grid-friendly DERs.