Grid-Forming Converters – Inevitability, Control Strategies and Challenges in Future Grids Application

At the heart of the energy transition is the change in generation technology: from conventional generation based on synchronous machines towards renewable energy sources interfaced with power electronic converters. The accompanying loss of rotational inertia and of the robust synchronization mechanism provided by synchronous machines and their controls is a challenge to the operation, control, and stability of the electric power system. In a future low-inertia power system, these functionalities have to be provided by proper control of so-called grid-forming power converters. This article provides a comprehensive review, a classification, and a critical comparison of different grid-forming converter control strategies in a simulation case study. Key words –– Grid-Forming Converter, Synchronous Generator, Droop Control, Matching Approach, Synchronverter, Virtual Oscillator Control.