Virtual synchronous generator versus synchronous condensers: an electromagnetic transient simulation-based comparison

Due to the observation of new stability challenges in the high penetration of renewable energy resources in weak grids, there is a need for assets to stabilize power systems. Synchronous Condensers (SynCons) are a well-known technology as a system strength remediation. However, SynCons capital cost is a drawback for their operation. Virtual Synchronous Generators (VSGs) are a new technology that can mimic synchronous machines behaviour. Therefore, there is a need to investigate and compare SynCons and VSGs performance in weak grid integration of renewable energy resources. This paper investigates VSG's performance in weak grid integration of a solar farm in a single machine in nite bus (SMIB) system. The VSG performance is compared to a SMIB case with the utilization of a SynCon. PSCAD/EMTDC is selected for time-domain analysis of the SMIB case, and all system equipment is modelled in detail. Different Australian grid code tests are applied to the SMIB system to evaluate the VSG and SynCon's impact. The simulation results show that the VSG performs better than SynCon in the weak grid system and improves stability.