Regenerative Electric Spring Based Grid Forming Inverter for Next-Generation Power Systems

With the transition towards renewable energy sources (RESs), traditional power systems are evolving into power electronics-dominated grids. The reduction of synchronous generator-based inertia increases grid vulnerability to frequency and voltage fluctuations, requiring advanced control strategies to enhance stable and reliable operation under varying load and generation conditions. In addition, the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery energy storage system (BESS) presents new opportunities for grid support. By leveraging Grid forming inverter (GFMI) control, these technologies can provide supplementary services that enhance grid resilience and flexibility. Unlike traditional GFMI control strategies, this thesis explores using electric spring-based GFMI with BESS to enhance frequency response and support the grid during peak demand periods. This approach enables controlled power injection when needed while absorbing excess power during off-peak times, helping maintain grid balance. By leveraging the advantageous properties of mechanical springs—such as robustness, adaptability, and fast response time—this method ensures rapid intervention, efficient charging and discharging, and improved coordination with other inverters in the system. Building on this foundation, the research further explores the role of grid-forming inverters in integrating vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, where EVs contribute to grid support through frequency and voltage regulation and peak shaving. A control strategy is proposed to optimize power injection from EVs based on various factors, ensuring efficient energy exchange between EV charging stations and the grid while taking advantage of the storage capabilities of EV batteries. Several control strategies have been proposed in the literature to enhance frequency response and stability in power electronics-dominated grids. In (1), a supercapacitor-based energy storage system enhances grid stability and resilience. In (2), a flywheel storage system is used for grid support and peak shaving applications. In (3), worn-out batteries support the grid with an algorithm that optimally manages each battery. In (4), an additional grid-forming inverter was applied to critical loads to prevent frequency and voltage fluctuations. This thesis presents a supervisory control framework integrating control algorithms for BESS and EVs interacting with GFMI to support the grid. In both cases, simulations were conducted in MATLAB/Simulink to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies. The controls dynamically adjust power injection based on real-time grid conditions, ensuring stability, fast response, and efficient energy utilization. Simulation results demonstrate improved frequency stability, reduced battery stress, and enhanced power-sharing efficiency, validating the effectiveness of the proposed approach. This framework enhances the performance of power electronics-dominated systems by enabling a more adaptive and resilient grid support mechanism.

Author dc:creator

• Michael Lteif (23291293)

• Regenerative Electric Spring Based Grid Forming Inverter for Next-Generation Power Systems

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.31451035.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31451035