SAPPHIRE: Stability-Augmented Optimal Control of Hybrid Photovoltaics Plants with Very High Penetration of Inverter-based Resources

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Hybrid photovoltaic (PV) plants (HPPs), which include PV and battery energy storage, are providing an increasing proportion of energy. But because advanced, fast-responding HPP controls are not being utilized in practice, traditional generators are still the source of grid stability. This project is developing a hierarchical control framework to value and deploy HPP stability services. This work will include real-time probing-based inertia estimation, bulk power system-connected grid forming controls (GFM), and reactive power services. Plant-level control will ensure HPPs deliver system-level services while optimizing utilization of PV and battery energy storage while considering batteries' state-of-charge and state-of-health. The technology will be demonstrated at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and at a 60-MW field demonstration in Hawaii.