Convergence of grid-forming and microgrid research and education

This panel focuses on research and education similarities between the operation of distributed energy resources (DER) in a microgrid and grid-forming (GFM) inverters in the bulk power system and discusses how the experience in microgrid research and education can be translated into research and workforce training for GFMs. The similarities are plenty: For example, in a microgrid, the small size of the system requires stringent control of DERs to ensure they can provide voltage regulation and load-generation balance. These are the same functions that GFM inverters are required to provide in the bulk power system (usually provided by synchronous generators). The parallels we can draw between the operation of a microgrid and an inverter-dominated bulk power system suggest that lessons learned in to two decades of efforts on microgrids can help inform research and education on grid-forming inverters. Panelists will share their specific examples and experience.