Research Projects

Modern power systems, including microgrids and bulk power systems, are becoming increasingly hybrid due to the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage systems. While static converter-based sources are becoming more prevalent, inertia-based synchronous machine-based generation remains essential for providing necessary inertia. Most inverter-based generation operates in grid-following mode, requiring a specific voltage and frequency at the point of common coupling (PCC) to operate properly. This grid-forming operation is essential for power system operation, including black-start and inertia support. Technologies are being developed to operate inverter-based sources in grid-forming mode, and future power systems will likely consist of grid-following inverters and grid-forming assets in the form of grid-forming inverters and synchronous machines. The interoperability of these grid-forming assets is crucial for the system's reliability. This project aims to investigate the interoperability of various grid-forming resources in a hybrid power system, analyzing different operating scenarios and exploring possible means of operation for different grid-forming and grid-following resources. The project will also study the interaction of different types of grid-forming assets, including interactions between grid-forming inverter-based generation fed from various RESs and the control of exciter and governor dynamics of synchronous-machine-based grid-forming assets.