Virtual Synchronous Generator for Frequency Stability of Microgrid

Authors: Resham Lamichhane, Sujan Adhikari

Abstract— This paper presents the concept of the virtual synchronous generator (VSG), the transition from the synchronous generator based conventional power generation to converter based renewable energy sources(RES) which deteriorates the frequency stability of the power system due to large-scale penetration of wind and photovoltaic(PV) generation. Unlike conventional power generation, the lack of rotational inertia becomes the main challenge to interface RES with the electrical grid via power electronic converters. The virtual synchronous generator has been developed initially to reproduce the synchronous generator stabilizing effect by providing inertia with the emulation of swing equation, whereas droop control is developed initially to ensure load sharing and has no inertia. This concept enables DGs based on inverters to behave like synchronous generators (SGs) with similar characteristics such as inertia, damping, and droop functions, allowing them to participate in microgrid control and stability. In this study, a detailed VSG model is presented and analyzed to determine if VSGs truly have a structure similar to SGs. The study’s findings are demonstrated through simulations conducted using MATLAB/Simulink.

Keywords— virtual synchronous generator, inertia emulation,droop control,power electronic converter, voltage and current control.

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Published In: International Conference on Role of Energy for Sustainable Social Development (RESSD-2023)
Date of Conference: 14th-15th May 2023                                
Conference Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Publisher: IEEE Power and Energy Society Nepal Chapter

 Cite the paper as:

R. Lamichhane, S. Adhikari, “Virtual Synchronous Generator for Frequency Stability of Microgrid”, International Conference on Role of Energy for Sustainable Social Development, 14th-15th May 2023, Kathmandu, Nepal