Modeling and Simulation of Inverter Based Resources and their Controls – a four hour virtual seminar. Earn 4 PDH's.

[]As the electric grid undergoes rapid transformation, inverter-based resources (IBRs) are playing an increasingly central role in power system performance. The accelerating deployment of renewable generation—particularly wind and solar—combined with the growing demand from large-scale data centers, is driving unprecedented levels of IBR penetration across the grid. This shift toward power electronics–dominated resources introduces new dynamics that differ fundamentally from traditional synchronous machines.
Understanding how to model, analyze, and control these resources is essential for maintaining system reliability and stability. IBRs rely on fast-acting control systems, and their interactions with the grid can introduce complex behaviors, particularly in weak system conditions or during disturbances.
This training session provides a structured and practical introduction to the modeling and control of IBRs in modern power systems. The course begins with a review of control system fundamentals, including key concepts such as transfer functions, stability analysis techniques (Bode, Root Locus, and Nyquist), and small-signal behavior. It then connects these principles to real-world power system applications, including frequency response, voltage control, and power system stabilization.
Participants will explore common instability mechanisms associated with high IBR penetration, including grid-related interactions (e.g., weak grid conditions, sub-synchronous control interactions, and harmonics), IBR-to-IBR interactions, and interactions with synchronous machines. The training also provides an overview of current industry modeling requirements, including relevant NERC reliability standards and recent regulatory developments, along with guidance on model selection and the use of both phasor-domain and EMT simulation tools.
Designed for engineers involved in system planning, operations, and interconnection studies, this session combines foundational theory with practical insights to help participants better understand and address the challenges associated with integrating IBRs into today’s evolving power systems.
Co-sponsored by: Fareed Kandlawala
Speaker(s): Matt,
Agenda:
– Introduction to Control Systems (30 min)
– Purpose and Objective of this Tutorial – focus on small-signal (v. large signal)
– History
– Present Day
– FutureTrends
– Basic Control System Theory (45 mins)
– Transfer Functions – LaPlace refresher, Open Loop / Closed Loop
– Analysis – Bode, Root Locus, Nyquist, Stability Margin Metrics
– Applications in Power Systems (50 mins)
– Frequency Response / Speed Control
– Voltage Control
– Power System Stabilization (PSS)
– Potential Instabilities & Examples (50 mins)
– IBR – Grid Instability (Weak grid, SSCI, Harmonic)
– IBR – IBR Instability (Sub-Sync or SuperSync)
– IBR – SM instability (SSTI)
– Modeling & Requirements Overview (50 mins)
– Overview of Modeling Requirements from NERC Reliability Standards & recent FERC Orders
– Model applicability and selection
– IBR Modeling in Phasor Domain and EMT Software Platforms
– Summary (15 mins)
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/554055