Active-power control strategies in grid-forming power converters to improve transient stability in power systems with 100% converter-based generation

R. Ávila-Martínez, L. Rouco, J. Renedo, L. Sigrist, A. García-Cerrada

Electric Power Systems Research Vol. 262, pp. 113629

Summary:

Grid-forming voltage source converters (GFM-VSC) play a crucial role in the stability of power systems with large amounts of converter-based generation. Transient stability (angle stability under large disturbances) is a critical limiting factor in stressed power systems. Previous studies have proposed control strategies for GFM-VSCs to improve transient stability. These approaches typically rely on suitable current-limiting algorithms, voltage/reactive-power and active-power supplementary control strategies. This paper investigates and compares the effectiveness of three active-power control strategies in GFM-VSCs to enhance transient stability in power systems with 100% converter-based generation: (i) a wide-area control strategy (TSP-WACS) using the centre of inertia (COI) frequency, (ii) a local transient damping method (TSP-TDM), and (iii) a novel local control strategy (TSP-L) proposed in this work. All strategies were implemented and assessed using short-circuit simulations on Kundur´s two-area test system with 100% GFM-VSC generators, demonstrating critical clearing time (CCT) improvement. The TSP-WACS strategy achieves the best performance but requires a communication infrastructure, while TSP-L strategy offers a simple, robust alternative using only local measurements.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio desarrolla y compara tres estrategias de control de potencia activa para sistemas eléctricos basados en GFM-VSC. El control TSP-L propuesto mejora la estabilidad ante faltas, ofreciendo una alternativa sencilla y robusta sin necesidad de sistemas de comunicaciones.

 

English layman's summary:

This study develops and compares three active-power control strategies for GFM-VSC-based power systems. The proposed TSP-L controller enhances stability during faults, offering a simple and reliable alternative without need any communication system.

Keywords: Grid-forming power converters; VSC; Transient stability; Active-power control strategies; WACS; Center of inertia (COI); Transient damping method (TDM); TSP-L

JCR-JIF Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 4,300 - Q2 (2025)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2026.113629

Published on paper: January 2027.

Published on-line: July 2026.

Citation:
R. Ávila-Martínez, L. Rouco, J. Renedo, L. Sigrist, A. García-Cerrada, "Active-power control strategies in grid-forming power converters to improve transient stability in power systems with 100% converter-based generation", Electric Power Systems Research, Vol. 262, pp. 113629, January 2027. [Online: July 2026] doi: 10.1016/j.epsr.2026.113629