Grid-Following and Grid-Forming Control in Power Electronic Based Power Systems: A Comparative Study

The stability of frequency is at risk with increasing penetration of power electronic converters. In this case, the power grid will lack the moment of inertia to maintain a stable voltage and frequency in the event of a large disturbance. In order to improve the stability of the power grid, traditional grid-following control is needed to be transformed to grid-forming control. This paper analyzes the control structure of grid-following control and grid-forming control. Moreover, a case study is exemplified to compare the performance of two control strategies responding to frequency disturbances. Finally, a simulation model of 15 kW grid-connected converter is built in Matlab/Simulink to discuss the performance of the grid-following and grid-forming converters under different working conditions.