An improved virtual resistance damping method for grid-connected inverters with LCL filters

In renewable energy generations, LCL filters are commonly used to connect in series with the output ports of the converter to smooth the currents flowing into the grid due to their enhanced attenuation ability and smaller inductance compared to single L filters. However, the inherent resonance of an LCL filter makes the control of such a system challenging, and different passive and active damping strategies have been developed till now. This paper aims to the damping problems of LCL filters and proposes a new approach to realize active damping. Based on traditional virtual resistance damping strategy, the new algorithm employs a lead compensation block in the capacitor current feedback loop so as to alleviate the impact of control delay. It is easy to be transformed from conventional virtual resistance damping method since just an additional digital filter is needed. Theoretical analyses for the essence equivalent relationship between passive damping and virtual resistance damping, as well as the impact investigation of control delay are made in details. The results show that the traditional virtual resistance active damping method is equivalent to passive damping of connecting damping resistance in parallel with the capacitor in the control block diagram, while the proposed virtual resistance active damping method is equivalent to passive damping of connecting damping resistance in series with the capacitor in the control block diagram. Both simulation and experimental results have verified the feasibility.