Integrated Intelligent Energy ›› 2025, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (11): 36-51.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-0706.2025.11.004

• Control and Coordinated Optimization of Flexible Resources • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Review on application and development of grid-forming technology in microgrids

LIU Haitaoa,b(), ZHANG Wenxiaoa, YANG Chenchena, MA Junkaia, QIAO Zhiminga, XIA Yanga, XU Luna,*   

  1. a. Nanjing Institute of Technology Collaborative Innovation Center for Intelligent Technology and Equipment of Distribution Networks Nanjing 211167, China
    b. Nanjing Institute of Technology School of Electric Power Engineering, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211167, China
  • Received:2025-05-12 Revised:2025-08-11 Published:2025-10-20
  • Contact: XU Lun E-mail:13851424346@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Major Project of Basic Scientific Research of Higher Education Institutions in Jiangsu Province(22KJA470005)

Abstract:

Against the backdrop of the construction of a new-type power system, grid-forming technology has emerged as a crucial solution to the core challenges in microgrids, including inertia deficiency, frequency fluctuations, and voltage instability. The technical principles and development trajectories of grid-forming control strategies are systematically reviewed. Based on typical engineering cases, the three-stage evolution of grid-forming equipment from demonstration verification to intelligent development is analyzed. Focusing on three representative scenarios in microgrids, namely islanded operation, grid-connected switching, and multi-microgrid coordination, the functional advantages and implementation mechanisms of grid-forming technology in enhancing system stability are thoroughly investigated. To address existing challenges such as control real-time performance, equipment reliability, and economic efficiency, future development directions including intelligent algorithm optimization, novel topology development, and multi-energy domain coordination are proposed, which provide theoretical support for the large-scale application of grid-forming technology in microgrids.

Key words: new energy grid integration, microgrid, grid-forming control, grid-forming equipment, typical scenario analysis, new-type power system