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

Xiaopeng Li, Jiaqi Yao, Wei Chen (), Wenyue Zhou, Zhaowei Zhou, Hao Wang, Zhenchao Jiang, Wei Dai and Zhongqing Wang
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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

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-24

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.

Keywords: grid-forming converter; VSG control strategy; switching strategy; virtual impedance strategy; relay protection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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