Sequence Impedance Modeling and Stability Assessment for Load Converters in Weak Grids

Abstract

Load converter operating in the weak grid potentially suffers harmonic oscillation problems due to the impedance interaction. In this article, considering dc-link voltage dynamics and frequency-coupling effects, the precise sequence impedance models are derived for the traditional load converter (TLC) and the load virtual synchronous machine (LVSM). Based on the derived models, their sequence impedance characteristics are analyzed and compared. The analysis shows that the positive-sequence impedance of the LVSM is generally inductive in the middle- and low-frequency bands, which is basically consistent with the grid impedance characteristics. In contrast, the positive-sequence impedance of the TLC is negative-resistive-capacitive (i.e., phase angle is between -180° and -90°) in the middle- and low-frequency bands and its amplitude-frequency curve is easy to intersect with the amplitude-frequency curve of the grid impedance, which may lead to harmonic oscillation in the weak grid. Furthermore, based on the derived model and Nyquist stability criterion, the effects of the grid impedance and load power on the stability are analyzed for TLC and LVSM, which indicates that the LVSM has better stability in the weak grid than the TLC. Finally, the experimental results validate the correctness of the theoretical analyses.