Hybrid Angle Control and Almost Global Stability of Grid-Forming Power Converters

Abstract: This paper introduces a new grid-forming control for power converters, termed hybrid angle control (HAC) that ensures the almost global closed-loop stability. HAC combines the recently proposed matching control with a novel nonlinear angle feedback reminiscent of (though not identical to) classic droop and dispatchable virtual oscillator controls. The synthesis of HAC is inspired by the complementary benefits of the dc-based matching and ac-based grid-forming controls as well as ideas from direct angle control and nonlinear damping assignment. The proposed HAC is applied to a high-fidelity nonlinear converter model that is connected to an infinite bus or a center-of-inertia dynamic grid models via a dynamic inductive line. We provide insightful parametric conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and global stability of the closed-loop equilibria. Unlike related stability certificates, our parametric conditions do not demand strong physical damping, on the contrary they can be met by appropriate choice of control parameters. Moreover, we consider the safety constraints of power converters and synthesize a new current-limiting control that is compatible with HAC. Last, we present a practical implementation of HAC and uncover its intrinsic droop behavior, derive a feedforward ac voltage and power control, and illustrate the behavior of the closed-loop system with publicly available numerical examples.