Analysis of Synchronization Stability for Multi VSCs Parallel-Connected to Weak Grids by Improved Net Damping Criterion

Recent studies show that the loss of stability for a voltage-source converter (VSC) in weak-grid connection is largely related to its synchronization unit, i.e., the phase-locked loop (PLL). This paper studies the synchronization stability of a system comprised by two VSCs in parallel connection to...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dong Wang, Xiaojie Zhang, Lei Yang, Yunhui Huang, Wei Huang, Chen Wu, Shengnan Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
VSC
PLL
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/13/3316
Description
Summary:Recent studies show that the loss of stability for a voltage-source converter (VSC) in weak-grid connection is largely related to its synchronization unit, i.e., the phase-locked loop (PLL). This paper studies the synchronization stability of a system comprised by two VSCs in parallel connection to a weak grid. A reduced transfer function based small-signal model, which can allow for the interactions between PLL and converter outer power controls, is first proposed. Then, an improved net damping criterion is used to analyze the damping and stability characters of such system under various operating conditions and different controller configurations. Compared to the conventional net damping criterion, the used criterion has wider applicability in terms of stability judgment. Case studies show that the studied system tends to be unstable at weak-grid or heavy-loading conditions. The instability can be in the form of oscillations or monotonic divergence, in which, the latter is more likely to occur for the converters without grid voltage regulation capabilities. Besides, the net damping-based sensitivity studies can provide guidance on control tuning or design for stability enhancement. Detailed model-based time domain simulations are conducted to verify the analysis results.
ISSN:1996-1073