Optimal tuning of the current loop for dual-loop controlled grid-forming converters based on active damping optimization

Abstract

Effective sinusoidal voltage regulation is of permanent importance for grid-forming converters. Usually, the following two types of schemes are employed to achieve a high level of performance: 1) single-loop voltage and 2) dual-loop voltage-current control. The performance of both schemes has comprehensively been evaluated in this work, based on the developed discrete-time model of the LC-filtered grid-forming converter. The challenges of insufficient stability margin, constraint bandwidth, and high sensitivity to parameter variation faced by the single-loop control scheme have been addressed, if the high-performance resonant controllers are employed for voltage regulation. Alternatively, the dual-loop control does not experience such issues with the inclusion of inner-current loop which provides active damping for the overall system. The essence of the inner-current loop is identified based on the discrete root locus analysis. Also, to obtain the highest damping and most enhanced stability, the criterion for current loop design has been addressed and a method for optimal tuning of the inner-current loop is developed, where the original plant with the one-sampling delay and the current gain are considered as the equivalent plant for the voltage controller. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the developed method for regulation of grid-forming converters.