arXiv subjects

Lennart Harnefors

Publications and source records attributed to Lennart Harnefors.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Disturbance-Observer-Based Grid-Forming Control for Unbalanced Grids

This article proposes a grid-forming control method for operation under unbalanced grid-voltage conditions. The method regulates the positive-sequence active power delivered to the grid and actively suppresses the negative-sequence converter voltage, controlling the voltage magnitude to be constant also during unbalanced faults when within the physical limits of the converter. Only the converter current is measured on the AC side, and a disturbance observer is used for synchronization as well as providing integral and resonant action. Estimates for the positive- and negative-sequence grid voltage are obtained from the disturbance observer. A current-limitation scheme for both balanced and unbalanced faults is integrated. Comprehensive stability analysis and tuning guidelines are provided. Experimental results using a 12.5-kVA converter demonstrate that the proposed method can operate during severe balanced and unbalanced faults.

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arXiv2026

Revisiting Voltage and Synchronization Stability Analysis in Grid-Following Converter-Integrated Weak Grids: Insights from Non-Minimum-Phase Zeros

The increasing penetration of grid-following (GFL) converter-interfaced generators (CIGs) intensifies concerns over small-signal voltage and synchronization stability. While existing theories treat these two stability issues distinctly, practical wisdom in contrast employs a unified and static metric, short-circuit ratio (SCR), to assess both in weak grids. This paper aims to bridge this theory-practice gap by introducing the insight of non-minimum-phase (NMP) zeros. First, we demonstrate that the two stability issues in weak grids can be characterized within a common NMP-zero-based assessment framework: a zero at the origin corresponds to voltage instability, while low-frequency zeros impose fundamental constraints on synchronization dynamics. The traditional SCR is proven to be a special case of our proposed novel stability metric, NMP-zero (NMP-Z) factor, evaluated at the rated operating point. This establishes the theoretical foundation for the empirical success of SCR. Building on this insight, we then develop a unified stability assessment method for multi-converter systems. The method retains the simplicity of SCR, requiring only the NMP-Z factor together with individual CIG dynamic models and enabling stability margin assessment under various operating points. Our work provides a simple yet theoretically rigorous framework for stability analysis in CIG-integrated weak grids, with all theoretical findings and the proposed method validated through detailed time-domain simulations.

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arXiv2026

A Feedback Stability Theorem for Frequency-dependent Compensation of Excess and Lack of Passivity

This article studies the stability of feedback interconnections of linear time-invariant systems based on frequency-dependent passivity indices. Using these frequency-dependent passivity indices, we show that the feedback interconnection of two systems can be certified to be stable even if both systems have a lack of passivity in terms of their scalar passivity indices. The main contribution of this paper is a new stability theorem based on frequency-dependent passivity indices. Moreover, we discuss the connection of the proposed feedback stability theorem to prior results based on scalar passivity indices. A numerical case study showcases the advantages of frequency-dependent passivity indices over scalar indices for feedback interconnections of linear systems.

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arXiv2025

On the input admittance of a universal power synchronization controller with droop controllers

Recent work has proposed a universal framework that integrates the well-established power synchronization control into vector current control. Using this controller for the parallel operation of grid-forming converters, and/or with loads that have strong voltage magnitude sensitivity, requires additional loops manipulating the voltage magnitude, e.g., $QV$ and $PV$ voltage-power droop controllers. This paper derives the input admittance of the resulting overall scheme. Sensitivity analyses based on the passivity index demonstrate the benefits of the proportional components of $QV$ and $PV$ control. A case study is presented where a grid-forming converter is operated in parallel with a generator.

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arXiv2025

Robust black start of an offshore wind farm with DRU based HVDC link using power synchronization control

This paper introduces a universal power synchronization controller for grid-side control of the wind turbine conversion systems in an offshore wind farm with a diode rectifier in the offshore substation of the HVDC link. The controller incorporates voltage-power droop controllers in the outer loop to enable the operation of this setup. To effectively handle the impact of large delays during black start and power ramp phases, virtual active and reactive power quantities are defined. These quantities are computed based on the current references prior to any modifications that might be needed to meet converter current and voltage limits or source constraints. Utilizing them in the outer loop ensures a balanced power sharing and a stable operation whenever the original (unmodified) current references are not realized. Case studies confirm the robustness of the proposed controller.

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arXiv2024

Damping Wind Farm Resonances with Current Based Model Predictive Pulse Pattern Control

It is well-established that a proportional current control gain emulates a resistor in the converter output impedance. Even though this resistance can provide additional damping to grid resonances, its effect for traditional linear current controllers is known to be rather limited. Moreover, for medium-voltage systems, high switching frequencies are not an option due to the high switching losses. To meet the harmonic standards, it is expedient to use optimized pulse patterns. This further exacerbates the problems with the resistance of classical controllers, since an additional filtering would be required so that the current controller acts only on the fundamental component (and not on the ripple component). Such a design limits the damping effect not only in its amplitude but also in the frequency range where it is active. This paper shows that a high-bandwidth current-based model predictive pulse pattern controller can alleviate these limitations. The pulse pattern control approach can achieve a high gain even at low switching frequencies, while controlling directly the instantaneous currents (i.e., the fundamental component and the ripple together). With a fast implementation cycle, the frequency range where this damping effect is active can be further extended. Numerical studies showcase these benefits for a multi-phase medium-voltage wind power conversion system.

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arXiv2023

Closed-Form Solutions for Grid-Forming Converters: A Design-Oriented Study

This paper derives closed-form solutions for grid-forming converters with power synchronization control (PSC) by subtly simplifying and factorizing the complex closed-loop models. The solutions can offer clear analytical insights into control-loop interactions, enabling guidelines for robust controller design. It is proved that 1) the proportional gains of PSC and alternating voltage control (AVC) can introduce negative resistance, which aggravates synchronous resonance (SR) of power control, 2) the integral gain of AVC is the cause of sub-synchronous resonance (SSR) in stiff-grid interconnections, albeit the proportional gain of AVC can help dampen the SSR, and 3) surprisingly, the current controller that dampens SR actually exacerbates SSR. Controller design guidelines are given based on analytical insights. The findings are verified by simulations and experimental results.

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arXiv2021

Influence of Sensor Feedback Limitations on Power Oscillation Damping and Transient Stability

Fundamental sensor feedback limitations for improving rotor angle stability using local frequency or phase angle measurement are derived. Using a two-machine power system model, it is shown that improved damping of inter-area oscillations must come at the cost of reduced transient stability margins, regardless of the control design method. The control limitations stem from that the excitation of an inter-area mode by external disturbances cannot be estimated with certainty using local frequency information. The results are validated on a modified Kundur four-machine two-area test system where the active power is modulated on an embedded high-voltage dc link. Damping control using local phase angle measurements, unavoidably leads to an increased rotor angle deviation following certain load disturbances. For a highly stressed system, it is shown that this may lead to transient instability. The limitations derived in the paper may motivate the need for wide-area measurements in power oscillation damping control.

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