Dynamic Interactions between Parallel Grid-Forming Inverters in a Microgrid

The potential instability issues caused by the dynamic interactions between parallel grid-forming inverters are examined. The approach adopted for analysis is s-domain admittance-based eigenvalue and mode shape analysis. This admittance is based on a five-node circuit diagram after the conversion of each electric circuit element and inverter control unit into impedance models. Eigenvalue analysis results show that unstable resonance modes may exist due to the interactions of two parallel inverters. Impacts of transmission line length, the converter control's virtual impedance unit, and the voltage feed-forward unit are examined via the eigenvalue and mode shape analysis. The results show that the virtual impedance control has a negligible influence on the resonance while the voltage feed-forward unit stabilizes the resonance. Finally, the stability analysis is validated using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations.

Automated summary

This study examines the potential instability issues caused by the dynamic interactions between parallel grid-forming inverters using s-domain admittance-based eigenvalue and mode shape analysis. The results show that unstable resonance modes may exist due to the interactions of two parallel inverters. The impacts of transmission line length, the converter control's virtual impedance unit, and the voltage feed-forward unit are also analyzed, and it is found that the virtual impedance control has a negligible influence on the resonance while the voltage feed-forward unit stabilizes the resonance. Finally, the stability analysis is validated using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations.