Power converter-based distributed generators (DGs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) are recognized as key elements to address the challenge of economically harvesting energy while achieving net-zero targets. However, the growing integration of DGs with grid-connected converters (GCCs) and Microgrids (MGs) has created new challenges in the operation and control of modern power grids. Power converter-based generation decreases the physical inertia available in the system and increases uncertainty. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted that relatively high integration of DGs/RESs can negatively impact power grid dynamics, power quality, frequency control, voltage regulation, as well as other control and operational issues. All these issues significantly limit the penetration of DGs/RESs. The present short speech, in addition to addressing the most important fundamental issues in modern power grid stability and control, focuses on the control flexibility provided by a special class of inverter-based resources, namely grid-forming (GFM) converters. These converters have the potential to offset the intermittent nature of distributed energy resources, improve the stability margin of the system, and provide control support to the host utility during abnormal conditions. When coupled with energy storage devices, GFM converters can also mimic the behavior of synchronous machines and provide an inertial response that compensates the lack of physical inertia. This may be established by emulating desirable dynamics, such as inertia, droop, and damping properties, by flexible shaping of their output active and reactive powers. In summary, GFM converters appear as a very promising solution to improve power grid stability and performance in the presence of high penetration of DG and RESs. The objective of this short speech is to share a part of the advances in dynamics modeling, analysis, and control of the GCCs, MGs, and RES-dominated power grids achieved by the Smart/Micro Grids Research Center (SMGRC) and its international partners.
