Modeling, Control, and Impedance Analysis of Grid-Forming BESS with NPC Topology
Abstract
The high penetration of renewables introduces stability challenges to modern power grids due to their intermittency and lack of inertia. Unlike conventional grid-following controls, this paper proposes a Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) control strategy for a three-level neutral-point clamped (NPC) battery energy storage system (BESS), enabling autonomous voltage and frequency support. The VSM control comprises voltage reference generation and voltage tracking. A step-by-step derivation of inverter output impedance is also provided, along with an analysis of how key parameters affect it. Simulation results in MATLAB R2021a/Simulink demonstrate excellent dynamic performance and grid-supporting functionalities, validating the effectiveness of the proposed design and the accuracy of the impedance analysis.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Microgrid Control and Optimization
Wind Turbine Control Systems
Power System Optimization and Stability
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Energies
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1781–1781
- Publication date
- 5 April 2026
- Language
- EN