Dynamic Analysis of Centralized Energy Storage Systems -- A Comparison between Grid-following and Grid-forming Controls

Abstract

This study investigates the small-signal stability of centralized energy storage systems (CESSs) using grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) controls, particularly focusing on bidirectional power flow and multiple energy storage systems (ESSs). To address the issue of complex dynamics in CESSs when comprehensive GFL and GFM control loops are considered, high-order dynamics are simplified using the virtual damping method by focusing on the dominant oscillation mode. Damping analysis verifies that CESSs using a single-type control (either GFL or GFM) have dynamic superimposition characteristics. Specifically, as ESS number increases, the damping of GFM-CESSs improves but that of GFL-CESSs decreases. The damping sensitivity shows that the damping of GFM-CESSs is more sensitive to bidirectional power flow and all control loops, whereas that of GFL-CESSs is more sensitive to d-axis control loop. Consequently, GFM-CESSs are preferred for large-scale integration but are limited in scenarios with significant power reversal. If GFL and GFM controls are hybridized in CESSs, the ratio of GFM-CESSs should be constrained to avoid instability from modal resonance between GFL-CESSs and GFM-CESSs. This highlights that implementing GFM-CESSs necessitates considering scenario limitations rather than pursuing maximal integration under hybrid integration conditions. The conclusions are validated through modal analysis and time-domain simulations.