Characterizing the Role of Complex Power in Small-Signal Synchronization Stability of Multi-Converter Power Systems

Abstract: Small-signal synchronization instability (SSI) may be triggered when a grid-connected converter is operated in weak grids. This problem is highly related to the active and reactive power (referred to as complex power) generation or consumption of the converter. Such an instability phenomenon manifests as power oscillations within the bandwidth frequency of phase-locked loop (PLL). However, in a multi-converter power system (MCPS), it is challenging to characterize the role of each converter's complex power in SSI issues due to the high dimension of system dynamics. In this paper, we focus on the impact regularity of complex power on the small-signal synchronization stability of the MCPS. Firstly, we formulate the modeling of the MCPS and develop a systematical stability indicator to explicitly quantify the stability margin under various operating complex power. Then, based on the proposed stability indicator, the "resultant force" of complex power on the stability margin of the MCPS can be analytically characterized into a weighted summation form. Furthermore, we elaborate on the impact of each converter's active power and reactive power, respectively. Notably, we demonstrate the cancellation effect between the active power generation and consumption on the stability margin, which ultimately helps prevent SSI issues in the MCPS. The correctness of theoretical findings is well verified by simulations results.