The Future of Grid - Scale Storage

Grid forming projects: 

• Should developers want to design grid-forming inverters they will need to engineer their systems differently.

• This means that auxiliary loads and losses will be higher, and economics will need to be re-casted to account for SoC-loss during standby operation and forming operation 

• In addition, the following challenges must be navigated: 

  • Transformer inrush control 

    • POW switching or V/f pre-flux ramp for soft energization 

  • Over-voltage issues 

    • Handling reactive power absorption 

  • Resonance and harmonics 

    • Damping network oscillations and ensuring stable short-circuit response 

  • Frequency and load pick-up challenges 

    • Stabilizing V/f during cold load pickup and staged block loading 

  • Operational sequencing 

    • Q-droop hierarchy, staged energization, etc. validated via EMT and HIL tests 

  • Synchronization issues 

    • Smooth ramping, droop control, etc. 

  • Ramp rate tuning 

    • Staged load pickup and reserve margins