Enhancing Grid Stability in Low-Inertia, Converter-Dominated Systems: Modular Architecture and Dynamic Assessment Solutions

Abstract:
The ongoing energy transition is driving a global shift from traditional synchronous-generator-based grids to converter-dominated grids, which introduces a wide range of system-level changes across multiple frequency domains. These changes pose significant challenges for grid operators, including reduced system inertia, increased frequency instability, and novel resonance phenomena resulting from converter pulse patterns, filters, and grid resonances. This paper addresses the unique difficulties associated with low-inertia grids by developing innovative tools and methods that aid system op-erators to manage converter-dominated environments effectively. A novel concept of a modular micro-service-based con-trol system architecture is presented. The modular design enables agile integration of advanced dynamic security assess-ment (DSA) tools to quickly bring new methods for DSA systems into application. Furthermore, different methods for online inertia estimation are outlined, applied in showcases and their results are discussed.