Ensuring Dynamic Stability of Future Inverter-based AC Power Networks

Modern power systems are facing a higher and higher integration of power electronics devices from production plants (especially RES) to consumers. Power electronics converters operate on much faster time scales than legacy devices, which brings new phenomena and new interactions among them and with the grid. One of the most common reasons for the insurgence of instabilities in electric power systems (EPS) is the fact that the small-signal dynamics of power electronics converters tend to introduce negative damping into the system. The frequency range in which this damping is present depends on the converter design, the type of filters, the control algorithm, and on the operating conditions. Additionally,  the integration of power plants that are connected via converters causes a decrease in the inertia constant of the EES, which further threatens the frequency stability. The main aim of the project is to design novel control methodologies and system-level analysis and planning tools that will ensure the stable and autonomous operation of converter-dominated power grids. Experimental validation of the project findings will be finally conducted at the University of Zagreb’s Smart Grid Laboratory (SGLab) facility.