June 18, 2025
Report

Optimal Control for Fast Frequency Response and Black-Start using Embedded Storages with Grid-Forming Control

Abstract

The grid-forming inverter is regarded as the solution for integrating high levels of renewable resources into future power systems. Ensuring the stable operation of grids necessitates that grid-forming inverters offer fast frequency response. This report introduces an optimal control method that coordinates the embedded storage within the grid-forming control model with conventional synchronous generators. The optimized active power reference for the embedded storage is generated using receding horizon optimization control, aiming to keep the center of inertia frequency within acceptable limits. The effectiveness of the proposed control is verified through testing in the IEEE 39-bus system. In addition, with grid-forming capability, we will also investigate the application of using mobile embedded storages as black-start units to provide cranking power to energize non-blackstart generators in a black-start process.

Published: June 18, 2025

Citation

Nguyen Q.H., X. Lyu, M. Zhao, J.R. Kerby, L.D. Marinovici, and D.A. Baldwin. 2025. Optimal Control for Fast Frequency Response and Black-Start using Embedded Storages with Grid-Forming Control Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Research topics