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Grid-Forming Converter Fault Control Strategy and Its Impact on Relay Protection: Challenges and Adaptability Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaopeng Li

    (Power System Security and Operation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Research Institute, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Jiaqi Yao

    (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Technology, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Wei Chen

    (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Technology, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Wenyue Zhou

    (Power System Security and Operation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Research Institute, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Zhaowei Zhou

    (State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Technology, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Hao Wang

    (Power System Security and Operation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Research Institute, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Zhenchao Jiang

    (Power System Security and Operation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Research Institute, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Wei Dai

    (State Grid Panzhihua Power Supply Company, Panzhihua 617067, China)

  • Zhongqing Wang

    (State Grid Liangshan Power Supply Company, Liangshan 610072, China)

Abstract

As the proportion of new energy generation continues to rise, power systems are confronted with novel challenges. Grid-forming converters, which possess voltage source characteristics and can support the grid, typically employ a VSG control strategy during normal operation to emulate the behavior of synchronous generators. This approach enhances frequency response and system stability in modern power systems. This review article systematically examines two typical fault control strategies for grid-forming converters: the switching strategy and the virtual impedance strategy. These different control strategies result in distinct fault response characteristics of the converter. Based on the analysis of fault control strategies for grid-forming converters, this study investigates the impact of the converter’s fault response characteristics on overcurrent protection, pilot protection, distance protection, and differential protection and investigates and prospects corresponding countermeasures. Finally, through simulation modeling, the fault response characteristics under different control strategies and their effects on protection are verified and analyzed. Focusing on grid-forming converters, this paper dissects the influence of their fault control strategies on relay protection, providing strong support for the wide application and promotion of grid-forming converters in new types of power systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaopeng Li & Jiaqi Yao & Wei Chen & Wenyue Zhou & Zhaowei Zhou & Hao Wang & Zhenchao Jiang & Wei Dai & Zhongqing Wang, 2025. "Grid-Forming Converter Fault Control Strategy and Its Impact on Relay Protection: Challenges and Adaptability Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2933-:d:1671004
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