journal article·2017-06-26Open access

Virtual Inertia: Current Trends and Future Directions

Ujjwol Tamrakar, Dipesh Shrestha, Manisha Maharjan, Bishnu Bhattarai, Timothy Hansen, Reinaldo Tonkoski

Applied Sciences· Volume 7· Issue 7

Abstract

The modern power system is progressing from a synchronous machine-based system towards an inverter-dominated system, with large-scale penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) like wind and photovoltaics. RES units today represent a major share of the generation, and the traditional approach of integrating them as grid following units can lead to frequency instability. Many researchers have pointed towards using inverters with virtual inertia control algorithms so that they appear as synchronous generators to the grid, maintaining and enhancing system stability. This paper presents a literature review of the current state-of-the-art of virtual inertia implementation techniques, and explores potential research directions and challenges. The major virtual inertia topologies are compared and classified. Through literature review and simulations of some selected topologies it has been shown that similar inertial response can be achieved by relating the parameters of these topologies through time constants and inertia constants, although the exact frequency dynamics may vary slightly. The suitability of a topology depends on system control architecture and desired level of detail in replication of the dynamics of synchronous generators. A discussion on the challenges and research directions points out several research needs, especially for systems level integration of virtual inertia systems.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Microgrid Control and Optimization · Islanding Detection in Power Systems · Wind Turbine Control Systems

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA

Department of Power and Energy Systems, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415, USA

Funding

South Dakota Board of Regents · Microsoft

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