Improved Dynamic Response in Grid-Forming Converters with Current Limiting Control during Fault Conditions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel current limiting control scheme for grid-forming converters that enhances fault response, improves fault-ride-through capability, and maintains grid stability during faults without relying on traditional droop mechanisms.

Contribution

It proposes a power matching-based current limitation scheme and a dynamic virtual damping algorithm that improve fault handling and stability of grid-forming converters during faults.

Findings

Enhanced fault-ride-through capability demonstrated in simulations.

Improved stability of grid-forming converters during weak grid faults.

No reliance on outer power loops or droop mechanisms for current limiting.

Abstract

Modern power systems increasingly demand converter-driven generation systems that integrate seamlessly with grid infrastructure. Grid-based converters are particularly advantageous, as they operate in harmony with conventional synchronous machines. However, most existing research focuses on managing grid-forming converters (GFM) under normal conditions, often neglecting the converters' behavior during faults and their short-circuit capabilities. This paper addresses these gaps by introducing a power matching-based current limitation scheme, which ensures GFM converter synchronization while preventing over currents. It also highlights the limitations of grid-following techniques, which need to maintain robust grid-forming properties during fault conditions. Unlike conventional methods, no assumptions are made regarding outer power loops or droop mechanisms, and current references are immediately restricted to prevent wind-ups. A dynamic virtual damping algorithm is proposed to improve fault isolation further. This technique enhances fault-ride-through capability and maintains grid-forming properties even in weak grid conditions. The dynamic virtual damping controller and fault mode for GFMs are modeled and validated using detailed simulations in MATLAB. These results demonstrate that altering outer power sources, rather than internal structures, improves converter performance during faults, ensuring grid stability and reliability.