Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison

The increasing penetration of renewable energy generation in recent years has introduced significant changes and challenges to modern power systems. One of the most critical challenges is the reduction in system inertia, which decreases grid stability and subsequently weakens the electrical network....

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Main Authors: Juan Dolado Fernández, Joaquín Eloy-García, Santiago Arnaltes Gómez, Samir Kouro, Hugues Renaudineau, José Luis Rodríguez Amenedo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/5157
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author Juan Dolado Fernández
Joaquín Eloy-García
Santiago Arnaltes Gómez
Samir Kouro
Hugues Renaudineau
José Luis Rodríguez Amenedo
author_facet Juan Dolado Fernández
Joaquín Eloy-García
Santiago Arnaltes Gómez
Samir Kouro
Hugues Renaudineau
José Luis Rodríguez Amenedo
author_sort Juan Dolado Fernández
collection DOAJ
description The increasing penetration of renewable energy generation in recent years has introduced significant changes and challenges to modern power systems. One of the most critical challenges is the reduction in system inertia, which decreases grid stability and subsequently weakens the electrical network. To address this issue, grid-forming (GFM) converters have emerged as a promising solution to maintain stability in weak grids. This paper proposes three novel control schemes for GFM converters and compares them with the performance of another topology recently published by the same authors. The four evaluated control schemes are based on the virtual flux variable which allows current limiting without using internal current loops, improving the stability of the control system. The assessment includes methods based on PI regulators, using the mathematical flatness property of differential algebra, direct control (DC), and model predictive control (MPC). The results demonstrate the robustness and correct operation of all four control strategies as GFM converters. Furthermore, through tests involving disturbances such as frequency variations, voltage sags, phase jumps, and transitions to islanded mode, their differences in terms of dynamic response, switching frequency, and current quality are clearly evidenced.
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issn 2076-3417
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publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-6bc9627399d348c2aeea1f7606abc5012025-08-20T01:49:28ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-05-01159515710.3390/app15095157Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method ComparisonJuan Dolado Fernández0Joaquín Eloy-García1Santiago Arnaltes Gómez2Samir Kouro3Hugues Renaudineau4José Luis Rodríguez Amenedo5Electrical Engineering Department, University CARLOS III of Madrid, Leganés, 28911 Madrid, SpainIngenia Power Solutions SL, Alcobendas, 28918 Madrid, SpainElectrical Engineering Department, University CARLOS III of Madrid, Leganés, 28911 Madrid, SpainDepartment of Electronic Engineering, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaíso 2390123, ChileCenter for Energy Transition (CTE), Faculty of Engineering, University San Sebastián, Valdivia 5110693, ChileElectrical Engineering Department, University CARLOS III of Madrid, Leganés, 28911 Madrid, SpainThe increasing penetration of renewable energy generation in recent years has introduced significant changes and challenges to modern power systems. One of the most critical challenges is the reduction in system inertia, which decreases grid stability and subsequently weakens the electrical network. To address this issue, grid-forming (GFM) converters have emerged as a promising solution to maintain stability in weak grids. This paper proposes three novel control schemes for GFM converters and compares them with the performance of another topology recently published by the same authors. The four evaluated control schemes are based on the virtual flux variable which allows current limiting without using internal current loops, improving the stability of the control system. The assessment includes methods based on PI regulators, using the mathematical flatness property of differential algebra, direct control (DC), and model predictive control (MPC). The results demonstrate the robustness and correct operation of all four control strategies as GFM converters. Furthermore, through tests involving disturbances such as frequency variations, voltage sags, phase jumps, and transitions to islanded mode, their differences in terms of dynamic response, switching frequency, and current quality are clearly evidenced.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/5157current limiterdirect controlfield-oriented controlflatnessgrid formingmodel predictive control
spellingShingle Juan Dolado Fernández
Joaquín Eloy-García
Santiago Arnaltes Gómez
Samir Kouro
Hugues Renaudineau
José Luis Rodríguez Amenedo
Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison
Applied Sciences
current limiter
direct control
field-oriented control
flatness
grid forming
model predictive control
title Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison
title_full Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison
title_fullStr Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison
title_full_unstemmed Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison
title_short Virtual Flux Control Methods for Grid-Forming Converters: A Four-Method Comparison
title_sort virtual flux control methods for grid forming converters a four method comparison
topic current limiter
direct control
field-oriented control
flatness
grid forming
model predictive control
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/5157
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AT samirkouro virtualfluxcontrolmethodsforgridformingconvertersafourmethodcomparison
AT huguesrenaudineau virtualfluxcontrolmethodsforgridformingconvertersafourmethodcomparison
AT joseluisrodriguezamenedo virtualfluxcontrolmethodsforgridformingconvertersafourmethodcomparison