review · Challenges
As power grids integrate higher levels of renewable energy sources, reliance on inverter-based resources reduces traditional system strength and inertia. This decline threatens grid stability and security. In response, system operators in deregulated electricity markets such as Australia, Ireland, and Texas frequently resort to renewable energy curtailment to protect network operations. However, existing mitigation strategies face operational limitations. A review of emerging solutions highlights key advancements in system strength and inertia estimation techniques, network modelling approaches, and advanced inverter controls, specifically virtual inertia. By addressing these areas, grid networks can reduce the need for manual operator interventions and energy curtailment. These developments outline a guiding framework for researchers, operators, and policymakers seeking to maintain affordable and reliable electricity supply while moving towards complete renewable generation.
Transitioning to clean energy is vital for the environment, but modern renewable generators can destabilise electrical grids. Without adequate inertia and system strength, blackouts become more likely. Understanding advanced controls and estimation tools allows power networks to absorb more renewable power reliably without routinely switching off clean generators or driving up energy costs.
The insights could inform software tools for grid modelling, inertia estimation systems, and advanced inverter control hardware, including virtual inertia features. The primary users are electrical system operators, utilities, and inverter manufacturers. Because this review focuses on synthesising current research gaps, modelling approaches, and early to mid-stage advanced control concepts, the underlying technologies range from conceptual research to applied testing needing further operational development.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
The global shift towards renewable energy sources (RESs) presents significant challenges to power grid stability, particularly in grids with a high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The shift to RESs is critical to improve planetary health; however, grids must remain reliable and affordable throughout the transition to ensure economies can thrive and critical infrastructure remains secure. Towards that goal, this review introduces the issues of declining system strength and inertia in such grids, illustrated by case studies of curtailment measures employed by system operators in the deregulated electricity markets of Australia, Ireland, and Texas. In these high-IBR markets, curtailment has become essential to maintain system security. This paper presents the current mitigation strategies used by system operators and discusses their limitations. In addition, the paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of current research on system strength and inertia estimation techniques, grid modelling approaches, and advanced inverter control, with a particular focus on virtual inertia. Future research directions and recommendations are outlined based on the identified gaps. These recommendations are intended to minimise system operator intervention and RES curtailment while maintaining reliable and affordable grid operation. The insights presented in this paper provide a framework to guide system operators, researchers, and policymakers toward enhancing grid stability while targeting 100% RES.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.3390/challe16010012
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
