Technology Development for Grids with 100% Inverter-Based Resources – Challenges and Success Stories

Modern wind, solar, and battery systems have been designed to operate in grids with high penetration of conventional synchronous generation.  In the coming years, applications of these technologies may require periods of operation with scarce penetration of conventional generation, requiring the development of newer “grid-forming” capabilities from these historically “grid-following” resources.  This presentation will include a summary of the technology gaps with inverter-based (power electronics) resources, recent grid-forming battery technology deployment in microgrid/blackstart applications, and recent technology developments on applying grid-forming capabilities to wind. Free food will be provided!

Dustin Howard graduated from Georgia Tech with a PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2013.  He joined GE Energy Consulting in 2013, where he presently leads aspects of grid interconnection studies for wind projects, new technology development, converter control design, and intellectual property development.  He presently leads new technology development efforts related to grid-forming.