Frequency Support Properties of the Synchronous Power Control for Grid-Connected Converters

Grid-connected power converters that integrate frequency support and inertia emulation functionalities have emerged in the last years. These features are promising for renewable energy-based power generation plants, as it permits such systems to contribute to enhance the power system stability. This paper discusses about three different active power control solutions that can be applied to grid-connected converters equipped with a synchronous power controller. For each solution, the detailed analytical relationship between the control parameters and the power loop dynamics is illustrated, and the local stability and dynamics are analyzed. The analysis and validation of frequency support functionalities are particularly addressed in this study, where the results obtained in a 10-kW experiment endorse the analysis; finally permitting to conclude that the synchronous power control offers good performance in terms of inertial response and droop characteristics.