GFM Interaction

Project summary

GFM converters operate as internal voltage sources, mimicking traditional synchronous generators. 

Name Status Project reference number Start date Proposed End date Expenditure
GFM Interaction Live NIA2_NESO088 Jan 2025 Jun 2026 £420,000
Summary

By 2030, a significant level of Inverter Based Resources (IBRs) will be installed in the GB transmission system. Grid forming control (GFM) of power electronic converters, which emulate synchronous generators, is an effective approach to address low inertia and fault level challenges in systems with high IBR penetration. GFM converters operate as internal voltage sources, mimicking traditional synchronous generators. However, the rollout of GFMs in the GB network may cause negative interactions with Grid Following (GFL) and Synchronous Generators. This project will analyze these interactions, especially those newly introduced by GFMs, and provide analytical methods and guidelines to mitigate potential risks, contributing to NESO’s policy and strategy for GFM implementation.

Benefits
  • Benefit 1: The project will provide understandings of the interactions between GFM, GFL and Synchronous Generators especially newly introduced interactions by GFMs.  
  • Benefit 2: The project will provide analytical and testing method of the potential negative interaction risks between IBRs.
  • Benefit 3: The project will provide analysis and testing guidelines to avoid the negative interaction risks between GFMs to support the operational and planning approach involving IBRs especially GFMs based resources.   
  • Benefit 4: The outcome of the project will contribute to NESO’s development of policy and strategy of stability control services using GFM.
  • Benefit 5: The project will support the digital transition by introducing the design procedure for rolling out GFMs and hence speed up the IBRs integration.   

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