Linear Time-Periodic theory-based novel stability analysis method for voltage-source converter under unbalanced grid conditions

Small-signal stability analysis is essential for the safe operation and parameter design of power electronic-dominated grids. Unbalanced conditions introduce more frequency-coupling terms, which are unneglectable in the stability assessment. This paper proposes a novel Linear Time-Periodic (LTP) theory-based stability analysis method and focuses on grid-connected voltage-source converters (VSCs) without improved unbalancing controls. Firstly, the analysis of fundamental solutions of the LTP system reveals that each LTP mode is characterized by a unique damping factor and multiple oscillation frequencies, defined by LTP eigenvalues and related transformation vectors, i.e., ( λ i , V i ( t ) ) . Then, a method for calculating ( λ i , V i ( t ) ) is proposed using the characteristic matrix of the Harmonic State-Space (HSS) model. An iterative sorting method based on the time-domain interpretation of HSS eigenvalues/eigenvectors is proposed to determine accurate ( λ i , V i ( t ) ) in the case of the minimum truncation order. Finally, generalized definitions and calculation methods of the widely used indicators for modal analysis are presented to assess system stability and guide the parameter design. Numerical and simulation results verify the proposed stability analysis method and indicate its advantages compared to the existing Floquet and HSS methods. • Proposes a novel LTP theory-based time-domain stability analysis method. • Fundamental solutions of the LTP system are analyzed, revealing that each LTP mode is characterized by a unique damping factor and multiple oscillation frequencies, defined by LTP eigenvalues and related transformation vectors. • A method for computing LTP eigenvalues and related transformation vectors is proposed using the characteristic matrix of the HSS model. • Generalized definitions and calculation methods of the damping ratio, PFs, and EPSs for LTP systems are proposed for the guidance of parameter design.