Advanced Control Solutions for Inverter-Dominated Power Systems

Objectives

The project aims to systematically address emerging challenges associated with increasing uncertainties in IBR-dominated power systems by addressing the following four objectives:

Objective 1: Explore the limitations of legacy controllers with increasing IBRs and uncertainties

Reaching this objective should provide some answers on how much legacy (classic) control solutions can be used without decreasing the IBR-dominated power system performance. To reach this objective, the identification of the set of critical conditions, control parameters, and control strategies causing the IDI is essential so that they can be correlated with the uncertainties.

Objective 2: Develop advanced control algorithms to address the challenges with IDI using adaptive control and Machine-Learning (ML) control strategies

This objective aims to propose alternative to the legacy (classic) controllers used in the power systems in the form of adaptive and ML control solutions that adapt to real-time system conditions. The proposed algorithms must establish safety guarantees and maximize system performance aiming to improve their trustworthiness for the electric power industry applications.

Objective 3: Develop open-source models and tools for analysis of IDI, testing, and benchmarking of advanced control solutions

The aim of this objective is to develop a model of the Nordic Power System (NPS) in industry-based software to incorporate Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) dynamics with planned expansions in the generation, load, and transmission. Additionally, a tool for performing a small-signal stability assessment of the given model will be developed to gain fundamental knowledge of the core of the system dynamic properties.

Objective 4: Assess European regulatory framework including the grid codes with regards to IDI. Propose roadmap for their updates.

The final objective of the project is to assess the European regulatory framework, including the grid codes, with regards to IDI. Based on the lessons learned, the project aims to propose a roadmap on adjustments of the regulatory framework that enable the use of the innovative and advanced control solutions.

Main exploitable results

• Insights into limitations of legacy (classic) power system operation and control practices in the presence of IDI and uncertainties associated with RES
• Principles for practical adoption of adaptable and ML-assisted control methods in the presence of IDI
• Platforms for analysis of IDI and testing of control solutions affecting IDI
• Regulatory roadmap for navigating challenges associated with IDI

How to do it?

The fulfillment of the project’s objectives requires a multidisciplinary approach that will unify expertise in power systems, power electronics, control theory, ML, and regulatory frameworks. The project aims to address IDI by following two main paths:

• Path 1: modelling, identification and analysis of IDI phenomena,
• Path 2: design of control solutions to mitigate problems with IDI. 

Project structure

The project is organized into seven Work Packages (WPs). The structure of the project and concrete WP tasks are designed to address the project objectives efficiently while lifting the advantages of the multidisciplinary expertise of the project consortium:

WP0: Project management 

Coordinates the work between the project partners, tracks the progress of the other WPs, manages risks and ensures fulfillment within the time plan and budget.

WP1: Robustness of the legacy control methods

Assesses the robustness and limits of legacy (classical), fixed-parameter power system controllers in the presence of uncertainties and IDI.

WP2: Adaptive control methods for IDI

Investigate advanced adaptive-control design methods to tackle the IDI and growing uncertainties in distributed IBR.

WP3: Machine learning approach for IDI

Advances control strategies for IBR-dominated power systems using innovative ML approaches

WP4: Modelling and verification of power electronics dynamics

Constructs a dynamic analysis feature by developing a suite of functionalities involving symbolic modelling capabilities, RMS and EMT time-domain simulations, and small-signal stability analysis.

WP5: Benchmarking and synthesis of project’s technical solutions

• Develops accurate open-source models capable of capturing IDI across various frequency ranges
• Benchmarks solutions and ensure alignment with regulatory framework
• Provides recommendations for future regulatory adjustments with respect to IDI and the use of advanced control solutions

WP6: Reporting and CETP Knowledge community

Participation in co-creation activities within the CETP knowledge community with the aim to disseminate project results and exchange knowledge with other CETP-granted projects.