GRID-FORMING POWER CONVERTERS

This advanced three-day course, delivered by leading experts, Prof. Pedro Rodriguez (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology), Prof. Rolando Burgos (Center for Power Electronics Systems), and Prof. Oriol Gomic (Technical University of Catalonia), provides a comprehensive overview of grid-forming (GFM) power converters, covering their control principles, practical implementation, and applications in modern power systems.

Participants will gain a solid understanding of synchronization mechanisms, control strategies, and system-level impacts of GFM converters in renewable-rich and converter-dominated grids.

The programme combines theoretical foundations with hands-on sessions using professional simulation tools, allowing participants to explore modelling, implementation, and stability assessment in realistic scenarios.

Designed for PhD students, researchers, and industry engineers, the course equips participants with both conceptual understanding and practical skills to analyse and deploy grid-forming converters.

PhD students interested in earning a 3 ECTS certificate from University of Catalonia are required to submit a report following the course. This report should demonstrate their ability to solve fundamental issues related to the modeling and control of GFM converters. The instructors will review and grade these reports to determine eligibility for the certificate.

Day 1: Fundamentals and Control of Grid-Forming Converters - Prof. Pedro Rodriguez

• Physical principles and synchronization mechanisms in converter-dominated systems
• Grid-following, grid-supporting and grid-forming control concepts
• Implementation approaches including the Synchronous Power Controller
• Hands-on session: simulation using a PSIM-based toolkit

Day 2: Grid-Forming Converters in Renewable Plants and Microgrids - Prof. Rolando Burgos

• Modelling and stability analysis of three-phase converters using impedance-based approaches.
• Impact of grid-following and grid-forming inverters in renewable energy systems and their interaction with the power grid.
• Operation of grid-forming converters in renewable plants and microgrids, including fault coordination and black-start capability.
• Hands-on session: MATLAB-based tools for impedance measurement and stability assessment of converter-dominated systems.

Day 3: Grid-Forming Converters for Power System Stability - Prof. Oriol Gomis-Bellmunt

• Applications of grid-forming technology in HVDC systems, STATCOMs, hybrid AC-DC networks and emerging grid-forming loads.
• Power system stability improvement using grid-forming converters, including oscillation damping and dynamic grid support.
• Transient stability, fault ride-through behaviour, phase jumps and current-limiting control strategies.
• Hands-on session: analysis of power systems with grid-forming converters using the VeraGrid open-source software platform.