Abstract
The ongoing evolution of the power system towards a “SmartGrid” implies a dominant role of powerelectronic converters, but poses strict requirements on their control strategies to preserve stability andcontrollability. In this perspective, the definition of decentralized control schemes for power convertersthat can provide grid support and allow for seamless transition between grid-connected or islandedoperation is critical. Since these features can already be provided by synchronous generators, the conceptof Virtual Synchronous Machines (VSMs) can be a suitable approach for controlling power electronicsconverters. This paper starts with a discussion of the general features offered by the VSM concept inthe context of SmartGrids. A specific VSM implementation is then presented in detail together with itsmathematical model. The intended emulation of the synchronous machine characteristics is illustratedby numerical simulations. Finally, stability is assessed by analysing the eigenvalues of a small-signalmodel and their parametric sensitivities.© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-NDlicense