Comparative analysis of grid-following and grid-forming control in VSC-HVDC system

Fawad, Muhammad, Garg, Akansha, Galeela, Mohamed, Li, Chuanyue ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6835-6642, Wang, Sheng ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2258-2633 and Liang, Jun ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7511-449X 2025. Comparative analysis of grid-following and grid-forming control in VSC-HVDC system. Presented at: 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe), Valletta, Malta, 20-23 October 2025. Proceedings of the IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe. IEEE, pp. 1-5. 10.1109/isgteurope64741.2025.11305589

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Abstract

Integrating large Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs) into modern power systems demands reliable HVDC transmission, particularly as rising inverter-based resource (IBR) penetration exposes limitations in conventional Grid-Following (GFL) control during grid disturbances. This paper investigates Grid-Forming (GFM) control as a superior strategy for point-to-point (P2P) HVDC systems. Using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations in PSCAD, we rigorously compare GFL and GFM control under various operational scenarios: normal power flow, dynamic power reference adjustments, grid frequency deviations, and short-circuit ratio (SCR) variations to evaluate weak grid compatibility. Results demonstrate that GFM control enhances dynamic performance by autonomously stabilizing frequency through droop-based active power modulation, unlike GFL systems that maintain fixed power output and lack inherent frequency support. Furthermore, GFM ensures robust operation in weak grids (SCR ≤ 3), maintaining stable power transfer and DC voltage regulation even under severe SCR variations, while GFL exhibits significant oscillations and instability. GFM also enables critical grid resilience functionalities—such as islanded OWF operation and black start capabilities—unattainable with GFL. These advantages position GFM as essential for future IBR-dominated grids, providing vital ancillary services (e.g., frequency regulation, voltage support) while addressing instability risks in weak grid environments. The findings advocate for prioritizing GFM technology in HVDC applications, with hybrid GFL-GFM architectures offering flexibility for diverse grid scenarios.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	IEEE
ISBN:	9798331525040
Last Modified:	08 Jan 2026 14:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183738

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