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An Adaptive Control Strategy for a Virtual Synchronous Generator Based on Exponential Inertia and Nonlinear Damping

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  • Huiguang Pian

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China)

  • Keqilao Meng

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China)

  • Hua Li

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China)

  • Yongjiang Liu

    (Inner Mongolia Power (Group) Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010020, China)

  • Zhi Li

    (Huaneng Wulatezhongqi New Energy Power Generation Co., Ltd., Bayannur 015200, China)

  • Ligang Jiang

    (Huaneng Wulatezhongqi New Energy Power Generation Co., Ltd., Bayannur 015200, China)

Abstract

The increasing incorporation of renewable energy into power grids has significantly reduced system inertia and damping, posing challenges to frequency stability and power quality. To address this issue, an adaptive virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategy is proposed, which dynamically adjusts virtual inertia and damping in response to real-time frequency variations. Virtual inertia is modulated by an exponential function according to the frequency variation rate, while damping is regulated via a hyperbolic tangent function, enabling minor support during small disturbances and robust compensation during severe events. Control parameters are optimized using an enhanced particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based on a composite performance index that accounts for frequency deviation, overshoot, settling time, and power tracking error. Simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink under step changes, load fluctuations, and single-phase faults demonstrate that the proposed method reduces the frequency deviation by over 26.15% compared to fixed-parameter and threshold-based adaptive VSG methods, effectively suppresses power overshoot, and eliminates secondary oscillations. The proposed approach significantly enhances grid transient stability and demonstrates strong potential for application in power systems with high levels of renewable energy integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Huiguang Pian & Keqilao Meng & Hua Li & Yongjiang Liu & Zhi Li & Ligang Jiang, 2025. "An Adaptive Control Strategy for a Virtual Synchronous Generator Based on Exponential Inertia and Nonlinear Damping," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3822-:d:1704446
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sue Wang & Yuxin Xie, 2023. "Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) Control Strategy Based on Improved Damping and Angular Frequency Deviation Feedforward," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Erico Gurski & Roman Kuiava & Filipe Perez & Raphael A. S. Benedito & Gilney Damm, 2024. "A Novel VSG with Adaptive Virtual Inertia and Adaptive Damping Coefficient to Improve Transient Frequency Response of Microgrids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-22, September.
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