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Virtual Inertia Control for Power Electronics-Integrated Power Systems: Challenges and Prospects

Author

Listed:
  • Md Asaduzzaman Shobug

    (School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia)

  • Nafis Ahmed Chowdhury

    (School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia)

  • Md Alamgir Hossain

    (Queensland Micro & Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia)

  • Mohammad J. Sanjari

    (School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia)

  • Junwei Lu

    (School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia)

  • Fuwen Yang

    (School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia)

Abstract

In modern power systems, conventional energy production units are being replaced by clean and environmentally friendly renewable energy resources (RESs). Integrating RESs into power systems presents numerous challenges, notably the need for enhanced grid stability and reliability. RES-dominated power systems fail to meet sufficient demand due to insufficient inertia responses. To address this issue, various virtual inertia emulation techniques are proposed to bolster power system stability amidst the increased integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. This review article explores state-of-the-art virtual inertia support strategies tailored to accommodate the increased penetration of RESs. Beginning with an overview of this study, it explores the existing virtual inertia techniques and investigates the various methodologies, including control algorithms, parameters, configurations, key contributions, sources, controllers, and simulation platforms. The promising virtual inertia control strategies are categorised based on the techniques used in their control algorithms and their applications. Furthermore, this review explains evolving research trends and identifies promising avenues for future investigations. Emphasis is placed on addressing key challenges such as dynamic response characteristics, scalability, and interoperability with conventional grid assets. The initial database search reveals 1529 publications. Finally, 106 articles were selected for this study, adding 6 articles manually for the review analysis. By synthesising current knowledge and outlining prospective research directions, this review aims to facilitate the current state of research paths concerning virtual inertia control techniques, along with the categorisation and analysis of these approaches, and showcases a comprehensive understanding of the research domain, which is essential for the sustainable integration of renewable energy into modern power systems via power electronic interface.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Asaduzzaman Shobug & Nafis Ahmed Chowdhury & Md Alamgir Hossain & Mohammad J. Sanjari & Junwei Lu & Fuwen Yang, 2024. "Virtual Inertia Control for Power Electronics-Integrated Power Systems: Challenges and Prospects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-33, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2737-:d:1408421
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yifei Wang & Youxin Yuan, 2019. "Inertia Provision and Small Signal Stability Analysis of a Wind-Power Generation System Using Phase-Locked Synchronized Equation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Yitao Liu & Hongle Chen & Runqiu Fang, 2023. "Virtual Inertia Implemented by Quasi-Z-Source Power Converter for Distributed Power System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-18, September.
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    4. Cheng, Yi & Azizipanah-Abarghooee, Rasoul & Azizi, Sadegh & Ding, Lei & Terzija, Vladimir, 2020. "Smart frequency control in low inertia energy systems based on frequency response techniques: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    5. Bo Xu & Linwei Zhang & Yin Yao & Xiangdong Yu & Yixin Yang & Dongdong Li, 2021. "Virtual Inertia Coordinated Allocation Method Considering Inertia Demand and Wind Turbine Inertia Response Capability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-15, August.
    6. Dai Orihara & Hiroshi Kikusato & Jun Hashimoto & Kenji Otani & Takahiro Takamatsu & Takashi Oozeki & Hisao Taoka & Takahiro Matsuura & Satoshi Miyazaki & Hiromu Hamada & Kenjiro Mori, 2021. "Contribution of Voltage Support Function to Virtual Inertia Control Performance of Inverter-Based Resource in Frequency Stability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-16, July.
    7. Bruno Augusto Bastiani & Ricardo Vasques de Oliveira, 2023. "Frequency Dynamics of Power Systems with Inertial Response Support from Wind Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-21, July.
    8. Wogrin, S. & Tejada-Arango, D. & Delikaraoglou, S. & Botterud, A., 2020. "Assessing the impact of inertia and reactive power constraints in generation expansion planning," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Ivo Leandro Dorileo & Welson Bassi & Danilo Ferreira de Souza, 2025. "Nuclear Power Plants as Equivalents of Hydroelectric Reservoirs and Providers of Grid Stability: The Case of the Brazilian Electrical System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-24, July.
    2. Van Tan Nguyen & Thi Bich Thanh Truong & Quang Vu Truong & Hong Viet Phuong Nguyen & Minh Quan Duong, 2025. "Iterative Learning Control for Virtual Inertia: Improving Frequency Stability in Renewable Energy Microgrids," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Ryosuke Shikuma & Dai Orihara & Hiroshi Kikusato & Akihisa Kaneko & Hisao Taoka & Yasuhiro Hayashi, 2025. "Quantitative Difference Between the Effective Inertia and Set Inertia Parameter of Virtual Synchronous Generators," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-23, March.

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