Small-Signal Synchronous Stability of a New-Generation Power System With 100% Renewable Energy

The traditional power system dominated by synchronous generators (SGs) is now evolving into a new-generation power system dominated by voltage source converter (VSC)-based renewable energy, causing substantial changes in the dynamical behavior. This paper investigates the small-signal synchronous stability of a new-generation power system composed solely of grid-following and/or grid-forming power electronics devices in the absence of an infinitely strong bus. The phase-lock-loop (PLL)-based VSC is taken as a representative of grid-following devices and treated as a controlled-current source whose phase is driven by the power factor angle. In sharp contrast, the virtual synchronous generator (VSG)-based VSC is taken as a representative of grid-forming devices and treated as a controlled-voltage source whose phase is driven by the active power. Small-signal synchronization stability models are established for multiconverter power systems within the framework of the classical Phillips–Heffron model for traditional power systems. Explicit expressions for equivalent inertia, damping, and synchronization coefficients are obtained. We find that both PLL-based and VSG-based VSCs show similar synchronization principles and contribute to the inertia and damping of the system. All these findings are well supported and verified by our modal analysis and time-domain simulations.