Monash spin-out tackles grid instability

A spin-out from Monash University has developed software designed to help electricity networks better manage the growing complexity of renewable energy systems.

Called "Rezonance," the software created by Monash start-up GridZync can decode frequency interactions from power inverters, allowing grid operators to identify and manage instability across increasingly renewable-heavy electricity networks.

Founder Professor Behrooz Bahrani of Monash Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering says the technology addresses what he describes as “a global problem,” emerging as more inverter-based energy resources (IBR) including wind and solar, connect to power grids worldwide.

Unlike traditional power stations, renewable generators rely on inverters to convert electricity into a form suitable for the grid. Small fluctuations in renewable output - caused by events such as passing clouds or changing wind conditions - create constant frequency variations that grid infrastructure and inverter controls must continuously respond to.

Professor Bahrani explains the key challenge for network operators is ensuring systems can maintain stability and integrity as these rapid, minute changes occur across the grid.

Rezonance analyses and interprets these frequency interactions in real time, helping operators detect harmonisation issues and potential instability before they escalate into larger network problems.

The technology reflects growing international concern around grid stability as countries accelerate the transition to renewable energy, with researchers and operators increasingly focused on how inverter-dominated systems behave under dynamic operating conditions.