Datenbank ARAMIS

Formidable – Community-Microgrid with Grid-Forming Inverters Equipped with Improved Damping and Virtual Inertia: Their Role on Grid Reliability and Resilience

Grids   R+D  

Control systems and monitoring; Netze & Systeme; Anwendungsorientierte Forschung;

Gesamtkosten: CHF279,971.00

Beteiligte

Abstract

The project aims to explore the role of community microgrids in enhancing the reliability and resilience of the grid. A community microgrid coordinates several grid-forming inverters (GFMIs), equipped with improved damping and virtual inertia, within a distribution grid in both standalone and grid-connected operational modes. Through simulations and experimental validation, this study will propose a decentralized control strategy for GFMIs within a community microgrid. The project will investigate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed community microgrid framework, including improved grid reliability and resilience as well as supporting grid restoration. The project will also examine the technical risks of voltage instability, load imbalance, and short circuits in both operational modes to determine adequate control measures and protection strategies.

Publications / Results

The transition from synchronous generators to inverter-based distributed energy resources in modern power grids poses stability challenges due to the inability of grid-following inverters to emulate the inertial responses of synchronous generators. Grid-forming inverters, however, can mimic these characteristics and improve grid stability, reliability, and resilience, especially during power outages. This project aims to explore the benefits and risks of grid-forming inverters, particularly by assessing their impact on a community microgrid’s reliability and resilience. The project also seeks to develop a framework for grid restoration and resilience, investigate relevant grid codes, and enhance decision-making for deploying new distributed energy resources. To do this, the control algorithms for grid forming inverters will be developed, and experimental hardware will be built and tested in a laboratory community microgrid configuration. The theoretical development phase in which the primary control of the grid forming inverter, the overload protection, and the management of unbalanced loads is completed. Currently, two experimental inverters are being assembled and tests are expected to begin shortly. In the next phases of the project, the ability of grid forming inverters to generate and maintain a community microgrid will be tested in real life. The different practical manoeuvres such as black start, and synchronization will be assed as well. Furthermore, secondary control strategies, including decentralized strategies, will be evaluated and tested.