Comprehensive assessment of virtual synchronous machine based voltage source converter controllers

• Published in: IET generation, transmission & distribution transmission & distribution, 2017-05, Vol.11 (7), p.1762-1769
• Main Authors: Alrajhi Alsiraji, Hasan, El-Shatshat, Ramadan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: controllers; machine control; power convertors; power electronics converters; PSCAD/EMTDC; renewable energy integration; Research Article; structured control algorithms; synchronous machine inertia; synchronous machines; virtual synchronous machine based voltage source converter controllers; VSM control algorithms
• ISSN: 1751-8687; 1751-8695; 1751-8695
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2016.1423

The substantial potential for the integration of renewable energy into power systems using power electronics converters might result in stability issues because of a lack of inertia. For this reason, this study introduces the concept of a virtual synchronous machine (VSM) control algorithm that emulates the properties of traditional synchronous machines. The literature includes references to several differently structured control algorithms. However, synchronous machine inertia and damping characteristics must be mimicked, which makes the cost and simplicity of implementation important from an economic perspective. This study presents a comprehensive comparison of VSM control algorithms. The most significant factor investigated in the work presented in this study is the viability of VSM algorithms during the kind of abnormal operation that might raise instability issues with respect to practical discrete time operation. The test system used in this study, which was simulated in a PSCAD/EMTDC environment, consisted of simulated voltage source converters based on a fully detailed switching model with two AC voltage levels. The results indicate a significant outcome that can facilitate a determination of the most effective VSM control algorithm.