Evaluating Frequency Stability with a Generic Model for IBR Penetration and the Implementation of Grid-Forming Control Strategies

In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in the integration of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) into the power grid, driven by the global shift toward renewable energy sources. The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) has developed standardized models for these inverters to facilitate their representation in system studies, playing a crucial role in evaluating IBRs, especially those modeled as grid-following inverters (GFLs). However, with the increasing prevalence of IBRs, the adjustment of grid interaction between grid-forming inverters (GFMs) and GFLs should be considered in terms of frequency stability assessment. This study investigates the optimization of synchronous generators and IBR operations in more detail. The IBR operation is evaluated with considerations for ratio and penetration. The findings suggest that with over 50% IBR penetration, GFL capacity should be reduced, and GFM capacity should be over 35% of IBR to maintain grid frequency stability. Moreover, this study also explains advanced prediction of frequency nadir, particularly the optimal ratio of WECC generic and GFM through the least squares method. Furthermore, the small-signal dynamic characteristics of WECC are studied at various gain values to investigate frequency droop control.