Review of Impedance-Based Analysis Methods Applied to Grid-Forming Inverters in Inverter-Dominated Grids

Abstract

As the use of distributed generation with power electronics-based interfaces increases, the separation between DC and AC parts of the grid is reduced. In such inverter-dominated AC grids, impedance-based analysis methods are proving to be more powerful than traditional state-space-based analysis methods. Even the conventional parameters and standards used to estimate the stability of generators and stronger grids cannot fully capture the dynamics of weaker, inverter-dominated grids. It then stands to reason that system impedances that are commonly used to analyze DC systems will be useful in the analysis of grid-forming inverters in these hybrid systems. To understand the value of studying the impedances of inverters and other elements in weak AC grids, this article reviews and describes the various ways in which impedance-based analyses can be used to define, assess, and improve the performance of grid-forming inverter controllers. An exemplary case using the conventional P-f/Q-V droop control demonstrates the application of impedance-based analyses to determine the impact of the controller on the input and output stability of the inverter.