Improving Rotor-Angle Stability via Virtual Inertia Planning for Converter-Interfaced Generations

This chapter delves into the critical role of virtual inertia control (VIC) in enhancing rotor-angle stability within power systems that integrate converter-interfaced generations (CIGs), such as renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. The study highlights the challenges posed by the reduced inertia support from synchronous generators and explores how VIC can mimic the dynamics of these generators to provide effective frequency regulation. Key factors influencing system stability, including virtual inertia constants, PLL gains, and filter time constants, are thoroughly examined. The chapter introduces an optimization strategy to design virtual inertia constants for CIGs in complex power systems, aiming to improve rotor-angle stability while ensuring sufficient inertia support. Through a detailed analysis of the IEEE 68-bus 10-machine system, the impact of VIC from different CIGs on various inter-area oscillation modes is investigated. The study demonstrates that coordinating virtual inertia constants can significantly enhance damping performance and system stability. Additionally, the chapter discusses the potential of including grid-forming CIGs in virtual inertia planning, offering a comprehensive approach to improving power system stability in the face of increasing renewable energy integration.