Inverter-Based Resources (IBR): Technology, Modeling, Standards and Grid Reliability

This presentation is an overview of technology, modeling and standards of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) to support grid modernization and reliability with a large percentage of renewable and variable flexible generation with limited inertial support. On the other side the load is also getting active and therefore these IBRs need to dynamically balance these active loads, including microgrids, data centers and electrification of transportation. The focus of the presentation will be on the use of Grid Forming Converters (GFM), sometimes paired with energy storage, to achieve these operational objectives and overcome technical challenges by leveraging GFM control of IBRs. At large penetration levels of these GFM inverters, care needs to be taken in the operation of these IBRs to be in harmony with each-other to avoid grid instability.   The presentation will address IBR topologies, GFM control aspects and the need for standards. With the goal of avoiding blackouts and cascading failures, and using control co-design methodologies, the program is composed of three categories (Flexible Renewable Generation, Intelligent Automatic Relays, and Wide-Area Real-Time Control Co-Design) that, taken together, can improve the resilience, reliability, and security of the electrical network to produce, deliver, and store energy.