Demonstration of Grid-Forming Controls in Hybrid AC/DC Grid in a Real-Time PHiL Environment

Richter M, Kuri A, Richter J, Wagner T, Henninger S, Mehlmann G (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Electronics MDPI

Book Volume: 14

Article Number: 730

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.3390/electronics14040730

Abstract

The transition to inverter-dominated power systems with novel control strategies has created weak grid scenarios, prompting extensive research into grid-forming (GFM) converters and advanced GFM control schemes. This study evaluates two GFM control strategies for their stabilizing effects in weakly interconnected and islanded power systems: the established Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) control and the newly developed Phase-Restoring Principle (PRP). The evaluation is conducted using a real-time electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation testbed with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) capabilities. The system includes a multi-terminal medium-voltage (MVDC) and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) network weakly coupled to a network equivalent, represented by a scaled synchronous machine (SynM) to replicate grid inertia. Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) model the converters, while Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHiL) experiments integrate real power hardware. Dynamic interactions, including islanded conditions, are emulated to assess the performance of GFM controls and their interactions in HV/MV and AC/DC systems. The results demonstrate the compatibility of diverse GFM schemes with grid-following controls and synchronous machines, emphasizing their positive contributions to system stability. This modular demonstrator, as a realistic prototype of future power systems, provides a flexible platform for testing emerging GFM strategies and hardware, supporting the development of robust and stable inverter-based grids.

Authors with CRIS profile

Michael Richter Lehrstuhl für Elektrische Energiesysteme Ananya Kuri Lehrstuhl für Elektrische Energiesysteme Julian Richter Lehrstuhl für Elektrische Energiesysteme Timo Wagner Lehrstuhl für Elektrische Energiesysteme Gert Mehlmann Lehrstuhl für Elektrische Energiesysteme

Involved external institutions

Fluence Energy GmbH DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Richter, M., Kuri, A., Richter, J., Wagner, T., Henninger, S., & Mehlmann, G. (2025). Demonstration of Grid-Forming Controls in Hybrid AC/DC Grid in a Real-Time PHiL Environment. Electronics, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14040730

MLA:

Richter, Michael, et al. "Demonstration of Grid-Forming Controls in Hybrid AC/DC Grid in a Real-Time PHiL Environment." Electronics 14.4 (2025).

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