Effects of Control Loop Interactions on Maximum Power Transfer Capability of Weak-Grid-Tied Grid-Following Inverters

Abstract

The maximum power transfer capability (MPTC) of phase-locked loop (PLL)-based grid-following inverters is often limited under weak-grid conditions due to passivity violations caused by operating-point-dependent control loops. This paper reveals and compares the mechanisms of these violations across different control strategies. Using admittance decomposition and full-order state-space models for eigenvalue analysis, MPTC limitations from control loops and their interactions are identified. The small-signal stabilities of different control loops are compared under varying grid strength, and both static and dynamic MPTCs for each control mode are examined. This paper also explores how control loop interactions impact the MPTC, offering insights for tuning control loops to enhance stability in weak grids. For example, fast power control improves the MPTC when paired with a slow PLL, while power control has minimal effect when the PLL is sufficiently fast. The findings are validated through frequency scanning, eigenvalue analysis, simulations, and experiments.