Synthetic inertia strategies for frequency control: a study of their impact on structural loads and grid support capability

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Abstract The growth in renewable energy participation in power systems has presented technical challenges to grid operators due to the reduction in system inertia. Wind turbines can contribute to frequency support through synthetic inertia control strategies, which temporarily extract kinetic energy from the rotor. This paper presents a comparative aero-servo-elastic assessment of two eventtriggered synthetic inertia strategies: a stepwise overproduction strategy and a torque-limit strategy. The analysis is based on OpenFAST simulations of a multi-MW reference turbine operating in below-rated conditions, under realistic turbulent inflow. Their performance is assessed in terms of short-term energy injection for frequency support, fatigue damage, and extreme structural loads on key turbine components. Results show that the torque-limit strategy provides a stronger initial inertial response but significantly increases fatigue and extreme loads, particularly in low speed shaft torsional and blade flapwise moments. The stepwise strategy delivers a more uniform energy contribution with a lower impact on most components, although an increase in the tower base side-side moment is observed due to potential excitation of structural modes at reduced rotor speeds. Comparison with IEC design load cases indicates that neither strategy exceeds ultimate load limits for the conditions analysed, although some load channels approach critical values.

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