A Comparative Assessment of Grid-Forming and Grid-Following Inverters in the Two Area Power System
摘要
This paper presents a system-level comparative assessment of grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) inverter control paradigms using a benchmark two-area power system. Synchronous machines in one area are progressively replaced by GFL and GFM inverters with identical ratings to evaluate their impact on bulk-system dynamic performance. The analysis considers steady-state operation, load increases, and balanced three-phase faults applied at multiple critical network locations. System performance is quantified using transmission-relevant metrics, including voltage recovery, rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), frequency nadir, and inter-area oscillation damping. To further assess scalability, the study is extended to a fully inverter-dominated scenario in which all synchronous machines in both areas are replaced by GFMs. The results demonstrate that GFM inverters provide superior dynamic support, characterized by improved voltage regulation, reduced RoCoF, enhanced frequency recovery, and effective damping of inter-area oscillations compared to GFL inverters. Moreover, the 100% GFM-based system remains stable and compliant with dynamic performance limits under all examined disturbances. This comparative study highlights that GFMs can effectively replicate key stabilizing functions of synchronous machines and represent a viable pathway for operating future transmission systems with high shares of inverter-based renewable generation.