Virtual Synchronous Generator Control Strategies For Low-Inertia Power Systems: A Comprehinary Review
Keywords:
Virtual synchronous generator, Grid-forming inverter, Low-inertia systems, Weak grids, Synthetic inertia, Stability analysis, Renewable integrationAbstract
The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources has reduced rotational inertia in modern power systems, causing frequency instability and weakened grid strength. Virtual Synchronous Generators (VSGs) have emerged as a leading grid-forming control strategy that enables power converters to emulate synchronous machine behavior. The problem is that reduced inertia threatens grid stability through higher rates of change of frequency and deeper frequency nadirs. The solution is VSG control strategies that embed the swing equation into converter loops to provide synthetic inertia and damping. This paper systematically classifies existing VSG approaches based on control philosophy, modeling frameworks, and parameter tuning strategies, identifying key research gaps. The study examines dq-frame modeling, impedance-based stability analysis, and small-signal eigenvalue techniques. Results show that voltage-controlled VSG and synchronverter approaches provide the strongest grid-forming capability, while current-controlled VSG offers superior current limiting. Impedance-based analysis reveals stability margins depend critically on the impedance ratio between VSG and grid, particularly in weak-grid conditions. Major challenges include inertia–damping trade-offs, parameter tuning inconsistencies, multi-converter interactions, and weak-grid instability. The conclusion is that future research must focus on adaptive control frameworks, hardware validation, and standardized benchmarking systems for widespread practical deployment.
Author Biographies
Sabo Aliyu, Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria
Engr. Dr. Sabo Aliyu (Member, IEEE) completed his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria in 2011. Engr. Dr. Sabo Aliyu completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. Degrees in Electrical Power Systems Engineering from the University of Putra Malaysia. His main research areas include the application of Neuro Fuzzy Controllers to power systems, Computational Intelligence techniques, Power System Oscillation Damping Controller Designs, Power Systems Optimizations, Power Flow and Optimal Power Flow, Power Quality, and Robust controllers with several online publications. Engr. Dr. Sabo Aliyu is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is a registered Engineer under the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He can be contacted at email: [email protected].
Olutosin Adebayo Ogunleye, Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria
rigadier General Olutosin Adebayo Ogunleye is of the Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He holds a B.Eng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and M.Eng Electronic/Communications Engineering as well as Masters in International Affairs and Defence Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He bagged his PhD in Energy Studies with specialization in Renewable Energy from the University of Ibadan in 2021. Brigadier General Ogunleye is currently the Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy and a Senior Lecturer at the department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering as well as the Centre for Renewable Energy, Nigerian Defence Academy. He has attended energy conferences within and outside Nigeria and has published 9 articles in peer reviewed journals. His research interests include renewable energy for large-scale electricity generation and energy security. He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a distinguished fellow of the Army War College Nigeria (fdc[+]) and fellow of the National Defence College (fdc). He can be contacted at email: [email protected]
Uzoma Joseph Ebuka, Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria
Uzoma Joseph Ebuka received the B.Eng. degree in Electrical Engineering from Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, in 2022. He is currently pursuing the M.Sc. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria. His research interests include load frequency control in interconnected power systems, renewable energy integration, and intelligent control techniques such as particle swarm optimization and fuzzy logic control. His current research focuses on the development of hybrid PSO–fuzzy logic controllers for improving frequency stability in modern power systems.
Ibrahim Danlami Akabe, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
Akabe, Ibrahim Danlami is a postgraduate student in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria. He received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Technology from Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, in 2020. He is currently pursuing the M.Sc. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria. He is currently working with Franco-British International University, Kaduna. He can be contacted at email: [email protected]
Ozioko Ugochukwu Jerald, Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria
Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Nigeria
Noor Izzri Abdul Wahab, Advanced Lightning Power and Energy Research (ALPER) Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, Malaysia
Advanced Lightning Power and Energy Research (ALPER) Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, Malaysia
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sabo Aliyu, Olutosin Adebayo Ogunleye, Uzoma Joseph Ebuka, Ibrahim Danlami Akabe, Ozioko Ugochukwu Jerald, Noor Izzri Abdul Wahab
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