Overview of Frequency Control Techniques in Power Systems with High Inverter based Resources: Challenges and Mitigation Measures

Abstract

Power systems are rapidly transitioning toward having an increasing proportion of electricity from inverter-based resources such as wind and solar. An inevitable consequence of a power system transition towards 100% inverter-based resources is the loss of synchronous generators with their associated inertia, frequency, and voltage control mechanisms. To ensure future grid needs can be met, the source of system services to meet these needs must change from synchronous plants to inverter-based resources. Under this context, the main objective of this research is to extensively review grid frequency stability challenges concerning the massive integration of inverter-based resources from the perspective of system operators. Following that, the newly established international fast frequency response services in different renewable dominant power systems to address low inertia challenges are compared from various perspectives. Finally, potential solutions based on various renewable enabling technologies and renewable sources are investigated from the standpoint of their expectation to play an active role in the energy system and to provide a wide range of system frequency services. The findings of this study provide a deep understanding of prospective frequency control solutions and an actionable dataset that will support various research and policy needs as we approach net-zero targets.

Keywords: Distribution generation, Grid forming converter, Grid following converter, Low inertia power systems, Renewable energy, Virtual synchronous machine