Does Kauai have a grid-forming inverter?

Normally, such a sudden loss would spell disaster for a small, islanded grid. But the Kauai grid has a feature that many larger grids lack: a technology called grid-forming inverters. An inverter converts direct-current electricity to grid-compatible alternating current.

How do virtual oscillators control Islanded inverters?

“Synthesizing Virtual Oscillators to Control Islanded Inverters.” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. VOC is a time-domain control approach in which the inverter is programmed (through its digital controller) to emulate the dynamics of a non-linear electrical oscillator. VOC inverters are able to regulate the output voltage.

What are grid-forming inverters?

An emerging technology, grid-forming inverters, are letting utilities install more renewable energy facilities, such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines. The inverters are often connected to utility-scale battery systems at solar-plus-storage facilities.

How do VOC inverters work?

VOC inverters are able to regulate the output voltage. VOC inverters are able to black start the system. Multiple VOC inverters can dynamically share loads. VOC inverters work well when connected with grid-following inverters. How to represent a large number of inverters? Purba, V., et.al. 2018.

Are 'rogue' communication devices hidden inside solar power inverters?

In a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community, U.S. energy officials have found undocumented "rogue" communication devices hidden inside solar power inverters imported from China.

Do inverters support grid-frequency stability?

When the level of inverter-based power sources on a grid is high, the inverters themselves could support grid-frequency stability. And when the level is very high, they could form the voltage and frequency of the grid. In other words, they could collectively set the pulse, rather than follow it.