Cite this
Emmanuel Habimana and Alice Uwase (2024) Grid-forming inverters for weak distribution networks: a field study in the East African interconnector. Pan-African Conference on Renewable Energy 2024. https://quorumpress.org/papers/grid-forming-inverters-weak-pue97
Published in Pan-African Conference on Renewable Energy 2024. This article was peer reviewed before publication.
Continental Energy Forum
Grid-forming inverters for weak distribution networks: a field study in the East African interconnector
Abstract
As inverter-based renewable generation grows on weak distribution feeders, conventional grid-following control can struggle to maintain stability during faults and rapid load changes. We report a six-month field trial of grid-forming inverter control on a 2 MW solar plant connected to a low-short-circuit-ratio feeder. The grid-forming configuration improved voltage recovery after faults and provided synthetic inertia that reduced frequency excursions during islanding events. We present measured fault-ride-through behaviour, compare it against grid-following operation on the same site, and outline protection-coordination changes required for wider deployment.
Keywords: Grid-forming inverters, Weak grids, Power quality, Renewables integration
Cite as: Emmanuel Habimana & Alice Uwase (2024). Grid-forming inverters for weak distribution networks: a field study in the East African interconnector. Pan-African Conference on Renewable Energy 2024. https://quorumpress.org/papers/grid-forming-inverters-weak-pue97
© 2024 Habimana and Uwase. Open access under CC BY 4.0.
Introduction
Weak distribution networks with low short-circuit ratios are common where renewable plants connect at the edge of the grid. Grid-forming control promises improved stability, but field evidence in African networks remains scarce.
Field trial
A 2 MW solar plant was reconfigured from grid-following to grid-forming control. Over six months we logged fault events, voltage recovery, and frequency behaviour during planned and unplanned islanding.
Findings
Grid-forming operation improved post-fault voltage recovery and provided synthetic inertia that limited frequency excursions. Protection coordination required retuning to avoid nuisance tripping under the new fault-current signature.
References
[1] R. Musa et al., “Grid-forming control: a survey,” IEEE Trans. Power Electronics, 2023.
Cite this paper
Emmanuel Habimana, Alice Uwase. Grid-forming inverters for weak distribution networks: a field study in the East African interconnector. Pan-African Conference on Renewable Energy 2024, 2024. https://quorumpress.org/papers/grid-forming-inverters-weak-pue97
Publication ID: pue97