GRID-FORMING INVERTERS-REAL-LIFE IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED

Abstract

Most of the inverter-based resources (IBRs) that are connected to the grid today are categorized as “grid-following” (GFL) systems. GFL IBR converter control approach requires an important share of synchronous generation in the system to operate stably. Industry trends show more frequent conditions with fewer synchronous machines committed and higher penetration of GFL IBRs. These operating conditions pose increasing fast dynamics stability risks in the bulk system. A number of mitigations are being considered to address these concerns. One of them is “grid forming” (GFM) inverter and system technology. GFM IBRs have the potential to achieve stable voltage and frequency in grids with low or even no synchronous generation. The goal of this paper is to describe real-life implementation experience of GFM Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and other studies of GFM technology, with a focus on differences and similarities with GFL IBRs.