Title: Virtual inertia support in the microgrid, its research challenges and its technology potentials in recent years

Authors: Neethu Elizabeth Michael; Shazia Hasan

Addresses: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, Dubai, UAE ' Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, Dubai, UAE

Abstract: This paper epitomises the various aspects of virtual inertia using energy storage systems for satisfactory regulation against uncertain frequency and voltage fluctuations. Since the power system switches from a generator-dominated system to an inverter-dominated system it results in the culmination of lack of inertia due to the massive penetration of renewable energy resources. This eventually leads to problems of frequency stability and power quality. The principle of virtual inertia, which emulates the operation of the synchronous generator by providing the power system with inertia remotely, was a topic of research from 2007 and is now gaining recognition. Software simulations and hardware implementation will open the way for a thorough investigation of the technology in the future. Furthermore, it also addresses the different types of virtual inertia topologies, application with renewable energy sources, evaluation for ancillary services, potential opportunities, risks posed, and future research directions.

Keywords: virtual inertia; renewable energy sources; RESs; frequency stability; microgrid; energy storage systems; ESS; power quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPELEC.2022.122417

International Journal of Power Electronics, 2022 Vol.15 No.3/4, pp.351 - 395

Received: 01 Feb 2020
Accepted: 12 Jun 2020
Published online: 25 Apr 2022 *

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