Grid-Forming Inverters for 100% Inverter-Dominated Grids: Control Strategies, Stability, and Standards
Keywords:
Grid-forming inverter, inverter-dominated grid, virtual synchronous machine, synthetic inertia, frequency stability, droop control, interoperability standards, renewable energy integrationAbstract
This review article aims to synthesize current advances in control strategies, stability mechanisms, and standardization frameworks that enable the reliable operation of 100% inverter-dominated power systems through grid-forming inverter technologies. A qualitative systematic review approach was employed, drawing exclusively from peer-reviewed literature published between 2018 and 2025. Thirteen high-quality studies were selected through comprehensive searches of IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SpringerLink databases. The inclusion criteria emphasized research addressing grid-forming inverter control, stability enhancement, and standardization efforts. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software, following open, axial, and selective coding stages. Theoretical saturation was achieved after identifying recurring themes related to virtual synchronous machine (VSM) control, droop-based coordination, frequency and voltage stability, and interoperability standards. Three major themes emerged: (1) Control Strategies—highlighting the shift from grid-following to grid-forming architectures through VSM, adaptive droop, and hybrid control methods that enable autonomous voltage and frequency formation; (2) Stability Mechanisms—emphasizing the role of synthetic inertia, fast frequency response, and adaptive impedance control in maintaining small- and large-signal stability under low-inertia conditions; and (3) Standards and Interoperability—revealing ongoing efforts in IEEE and IEC standardization, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation, and the pressing need for harmonized compliance and testing protocols. The findings suggest that hybrid intelligent control and coordinated regulation are key to ensuring stability and scalability in inverter-dominated grids. Grid-forming inverter technologies represent a paradigm shift in power system operation, offering a pathway toward fully renewable and resilient grids. However, widespread adoption requires harmonized global standards, cross-vendor interoperability, and further validation of hybrid control frameworks to ensure dynamic stability and regulatory compliance.
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