Seminar Description: The increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBR) demands grid support capabilities beyond those possible with conventional grid-following (GFL) control. Grid-forming (GFM) converters have emerged and positioning themselves as key enablers of future stable and resilient power grids; yet their practical design and implementation remain a critical challenge for electrical engineers. To this end, this tutorial will first provide a concise overview of the GFM principles, highlighting its differences from GFL control, current trends, and evolving grid code and operational requirements. Building on this foundation, the focus will shift to:
How grid-forming functionality is implemented in practice.
Converter behavior under challenging operating conditions.
GFM converter impact on the grid, and the capabilities that can be attained by them.
Design considerations to enhance robustness, ensure internal stability, and safely
Implementation approaches to improve fault response, thermal utilization, and overall converter reliability.
Through case studies and design-oriented discussions, the tutorial will present practical methods that engineers can apply when developing GFM converters. The session is intended for professionals and researchers with an intermediate or advanced background in power electronics who are interested in bridging the gap between GFM theory and its practical implementation.
