A Model-Based Design Approach for Stability Assessment, Control Tuning and Verification in Off-Grid Hybrid Power Plants

Abstract

This paper proposes detailed and practical guidance on applying model-based design (MBD) for voltage and frequency stability assessments, control tuning and verification of off-grid hybrid power plants (HPPs) comprising both grid-forming and grid-feeding inverter units and synchronous generation. First, the requirement specifications are defined by means of system, functional and model requirements. Secondly, a modular approach for state-space modelling of the distributed energy resources (DERs) is presented. Flexible merging of subsystems by properly defining input and output vectors is highlighted to describe the dynamics of the HPP during various operating states. Eigenvalue (EV) and participation factor (PF) analyses demonstrate the necessity of assessing small-signal stability over a wide range of operational scenarios. A sensitivity analysis shows the impact of relevant system parameters on critical EVs and enables one to finally design and tune the central HPP controller (HPPC). The rapid control prototyping and control verification stages are accomplished by means of discrete-time domain models being used in both off-line simulation studies and real-time hardware-in-the-loop (RT-HIL) testing. The outcome of this paper is targeted at off-grid HPP operators seeking to achieve a proof-of-concept on stable voltage and frequency regulation. Nonetheless, the overall methodology is applicable to on-grid HPPs, too.