Estimation of Non-Synchronous Inertia in AC Microgrids

This paper proposes a comprehensive method to estimate non-synchronous inertia in an AC microgrid system by analyzing measured frequency transients. Non-synchronous inertia includes inertial support from various inverter-interfaced renewable energy sources and energy storage devices in the form of virtual or emulated inertia. In the proposed method, a multi-step approach is used to identify a matrix of parameters that estimates the overall non-synchronous inertial response. Firstly, motivations are drawn from the fundamental system requirements of adequacy in RoCoF and maximum deviation in frequency, for any credible contingency. A systematic classification of various contributors to the non-synchronous inertial response is also carried out. System-identification studies are then performed to identify various component-models that contribute to the non-synchronous inertia. The component models include a faster RoCoF-based response model, a relatively slower frequency deviation based model, and in some cases, a slow, integral-of-frequency based model. Lastly, the concept of releasable kinetic energy and non-linear estimation is used to identify the capability of the virtual inertia sources and improve the accuracy of the overall estimate. The developed methodology is tested in a microgrid network hosting a mix of renewable energy generation such as wind turbine generators, solar PV plants, and battery energy storage systems.