by Nabil Mohammed, Hassan Haes Alhelou, Behrooz Bahrani
(Reviewed by Alex Apostolov, USA)

Grid-Forming Power Inverters: Control and Applications, by different authors representing universities from all over the world and edited by Nabil Mohammed, Hassan Haes Alhelou, and Behrooz Bahrani, is a well-structured exploration of grid-forming inverters (GFMI) and their role in integrating inverter-based resources (IBRs) into modern power systems.
The book begins by addressing the increasing reliance on GFMI to address the challenges posed by low inertia systems and weak grids. Chapter 1 lays the foundation by discussing real-world applications in Australia, the UK, and the US, emphasizing the comparative dynamics of GFMI and grid-following inverters (GFLI). The contrast between GFMI’s ability to dampen frequency swings and GFLI’s potential to worsen them sets the stage for the discussions that follow.
Subsequent chapters focus on specific aspects of GFMI technology. Chapter 2 explores system-level requirements and implementation pathways for GFMI integration, including regulatory and market-based approaches. This chapter also examines early proposals for grid code modifications, positioning GFMI as a critical player in future energy networks.
Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the technical requirements for connecting IBRs to public grids and the operational capabilities of emerging control techniques. These chapters emphasize the importance of standardized adoption and highlight the need for performance-based requirements.
The book’s technical depth becomes particularly evident in Chapters 5 and 6, where the modeling and control of grid-forming converters are explored. Through detailed explanations of outer and inner control loops, the editors effectively describe complex concepts such as cascaded control and fractional-order sliding mode controllers. The application of the component connection method (CCM) in Chapter 6 to address stability issues adds a novel dimension, showing advanced research and its practical implications.
Chapters 7 through 9 address the integration of renewable energy sources, a recurring theme in the book. Chapter 7 introduces a control scheme for doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) that leverages GFMI technology to emulate synchronous generator behavior. Chapter 8 examines stabilizers for damping low-frequency oscillations, underscoring the trade-offs between active and reactive power approaches.
The discussion of system stability in a 100% GFMI-based grid in Chapter 9 is particularly convincing. By simulating various fault conditions and control methods, the authors provide a comprehensive analysis of GFMI performance under stress, highlighting innovative approaches such as virtual angular speed freezing and current scaling techniques.
The final chapters focus on emerging technologies and applications. Chapter 10 introduces dispatchable virtual oscillator control (dVOC), a communication-free strategy that contrasts with traditional droop control. The implementation of online grid impedance estimation using pseudorandom binary sequences adds a practical layer to the theoretical discussion.
Chapter 11 underscores the growing importance of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in modern power grids. By integrating BESS with GFMI, the chapter explores solutions to voltage and frequency regulation challenges, providing simulation results that validate its claims. Chapter 12 concludes with a discussion on integrated energy storage systems (EMS), emphasizing resilience and scalability in rural microgrids powered by renewable energy.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Each chapter is richly detailed and supplemented with case studies, making complex ideas tangible. The editors succeed in presenting a comprehensive view of the GFMI landscape, from fundamental principles to advanced applications.
However, the book’s highly technical nature may be a barrier for readers without a background in conventional power systems or electrical engineering. While the authors attempt to maintain clarity, the density of the material can be overwhelming at times, particularly in chapters laden with mathematical modeling and simulation data.
Grid-Forming Power Inverters Control and Applications is a definitive guide to a transformative technology in modern energy systems. Its careful balance of theory, application, and innovation makes it an indispensable resource for professionals and academics alike. By addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with GFMI, the book positions itself as a useful text for understanding the future of power systems in a renewable-centric world.
Grid-Forming Power Inverters Control and Applications Change
by Nabil Mohammed, Hassan Haes Alhelou, Behrooz Bahrani
Publisher: CRC Press; 1st edition (February 28, 2023)
ISBN-10 103229888X
ISBN-13 978-1032298887