Robust PLL Synchronization Unit for Grid-Feeding Converters in Micro/Weak Grids

A grid-feeding voltage source converter (GFD-VSC) requires a phase-locked loop (PLL) synchronization unit to be connected to the grid. The PLL critically affects the dynamic performance and stability of the GFD-VSC. In particular, a PLL with pre/in-loop filtering, for working under distorted/polluted conditions, possesses a narrow stability margin and deficient performance in weak grid connections and fault ride-through (FRT) transients, also poor performance in frequency estimation. To address these problems, a robust PLL with several enhanced characteristics is proposed in this article. The robust PLL with a dynamic state feedback controller is designed using an ${{\bm{H}}}_\infty $ robust control. The feedback controller is designed to improve the dynamic stability/response of the PLL, exposed to control uncertainties and exogenous disturbances, weak-grid connection, FRT transients and to improve its performance in frequency estimation. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed PLL.

Automated summary

This article proposes a robust PLL with several enhanced characteristics to address the dynamic performance and stability issues of GFD-VSC in distorted/polluted conditions, weak grid connections, fault ride-through transients, and frequency estimation. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed PLL.