Complex Frequency-Based Virtual Inertia Control for Frequency Regulation in Low-Inertia Power System

The global energy transition toward renewable energy sources (RES) presents significant challenges for power system stability, primarily due to the reduced system inertia associated with converter-based technologies. This paper proposes a novel Virtual Inertia Control (VIC) method embedded within an Andronov-Hopf Oscillator (AHO)-based Virtual Oscillator Control (VOC) mechanism to enhance frequency dynamics in low-inertia systems. The proposed method integrates complex frequency inputs and leverages both active and reactive power from Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) to optimize inertia support and frequency regulation while minimizing active power usage. The efficacy of this methodology is confirmed through comprehensive simulations conducted in Matlab/Simulink, show-casing substantial enhancements in frequency stabilization and system robustness.