Transient Synchronization Stability in Grid-Following Converters: Mechanistic Insights and Technological Prospects—A Review

Yang Liu, Lin Zhu (), Xinya Xu, Dongrui Li, Zhiwei Liang and Nan Ye
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Yang Liu: School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Lin Zhu: School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Xinya Xu: School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Dongrui Li: School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Zhiwei Liang: School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Nan Ye: School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-25

Abstract: This paper investigates the transient synchronization stability mechanisms and technological advancements associated with grid-following (GFL) converters, providing a systematic review of the current research landscape and future directions in this field. The current literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of how outer-loop control dynamics and grid-converter interactions critically influence transient stability mechanisms. This oversight often leads to incomplete or overly simplistic stability assessments, particularly under high penetration of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, existing stability criteria and analytical methodologies do not adequately address the compounded challenges arising from multi-control-loop coupling effects and systems with multiple parallel converters. These limitations underscore the inability of conventional methodologies to holistically model the transient synchronization behavior of GFL converters in modern power-electronics-dominated grids. To address these gaps, this work synthesizes a comprehensive review of modeling frameworks, analytical methodologies, transient stability mechanisms, and influence factors specific to GFL converters. First, based on the fundamental differences between synchronous generators and GFL, this paper summarizes the second-order equivalent model derived from phase-locked loop (PLL) dynamic. It conducts a comparative analysis of the applicability and limitations of conventional stability assessment methods, such as the equal-area criterion, phase portrait method, and Lyapunov functions, within power-electronics-dominated systems. It highlights potential mechanistic misinterpretations arising from neglecting outer-loop control and grid interactions. Second, the paper delineates the principal challenges inherent in the transient synchronization stability analysis of GFL converters. These challenges encompass the dynamic influences of multi-control-loop coupling effects and the imperative for advancing stability criterion research in systems with multiple parallel converters. Building on existing studies, the paper further explores innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in transient stability assessment, including stability prediction based on deep learning, data-physics hybrid modeling, and human–machine collaborative optimization strategies. It emphasizes that enhancing model interpretability and dynamic generalization capabilities will be critical future directions. Finally, by addressing these gaps, this work provides theoretical foundations and technical references for transient synchronization stability analysis and control in high-penetration inverter-based resources (IBRs) grids.

Keywords: grid-following converters; transient synchronization stability; mechanistic insights; artificial intelligence (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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