Hybrid MMC based multi-terminal DC/DC converter with minimized FBSMs ratio considering DC fault isolation

An isolated high-power multi-terminal DC/DC converter is studied in this paper, based on hybrid MMC configuration consisting of full-bridge submodules (FBSMs) and half-bridge submodules (HBSMs). To decrease the investment and power losses, a reduced arm FBSMs ratio (less than 0.5) scheme is adopted. A detailed analysis on the relationship of the DC/DC converter inner AC voltage and the arm FBSMs ratio under reduced DC voltage is presented. Based on this, a control strategy during DC fault is proposed which continues operating the converter connected to the faulty DC side with reactive current absorption. Under the same arm FBSMs ratio, compared to the conventional strategy of blocking the faulty side converter during a DC fault, the proposed unblocking method with reactive current injection can not only achieve greater DC fault current declining rate, but also ensure maximum power transfer between the interconnected healthy DC grids by maintaining a higher inner AC voltage in the DC/DC converter. The two strategies are compared and validated by simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC under different arm FBSMs ratio

Submodule configuration of HVDC-DC auto transformer considering DC fault

This paper studies the submodule configuration of MMC based non-isolated HVDC-DC autotransformer (HVDC-AT) with DC fault blocking capability, including two-terminal and multi-terminal topologies. The operation principle of the HVDC-AT is described. Considering the arm current differences, the total number of required semiconductors for the HVDC-AT is derived and is compared with the MMC based isolated front-to-front (F2F) DC transformer. A full operation process for the multi-terminal HVDC-AT considering DC fault is then presented, including normal operation, fault isolation and continuous operation of healthy converters after fault. The submodule configuration and fault recovery of the multi-terminal HVDC-AT are validated by simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC

Resilient DC voltage control for islanded wind farms integration using cascaded hybrid HVDC system

To integrate large-scale islanded onshore wind power with different sizes, this paper proposes an integration system based on the cascaded hybrid HVDC transmission system, which consists of LCC and several MMCs in series connection at the DC side of the rectifier. A large-scale wind farm is connected with one LCC and one MMC while several small-scale wind farms are connected with MMCs directly. Owing to the hierarchical integration arrangement, the operating flexibility can be improved with reduced capacity and the number of step-up interfacing transformers. A resilient DC voltage control is proposed for the integration system to adaptively redistribute power among the converters during wind power fluctuations. Firstly, the topology and operating characteristics of the wind power integration system are introduced. Then, a resilient DC voltage control is proposed to ensure stable operation during wind power curtailments. Finally, a simulation model of the hybrid cascaded HVDC transmission system is built in PSCAD/EMTDC to verify the effectiveness. The research results show that the system provides a new option for long-distance transmission of large-scale islanded wind power

Key technologies for medium and low voltage DC distribution system

Development of the medium and low voltage DC distribution system is of great significance to a regional transmission of electric energy, increasing a penetration rate of new energy, and enhancing a safety of the operation of the AC/DC interconnected grid. This paper first summarizes the medium and low voltage DC distribution system schemes and plans put forward by many countries, and then elaborate status of under-construction medium and low voltage DC distribution system project cases in China. Based on these project cases, this paper analyzes key issues involved in the medium and low voltage DC distribution system topologies, equipment, operation control technologies and DC fault protections, in order to provide theoretical and technical reference for future medium and low voltage DC distribution system-related projects. Finally, this paper combines a current China research status to summarize and give a prediction about the future research direction of medium and low voltage DC distribution system, which can provide reference for the research of medium and low voltage DC distribution system

Guest editorial : Dynamic analysis, control, and situation awareness of power systems with high penetrations of power electronic converters

In recent decades, global power grids have evolved with a rapid and extensive development of power electronic converters (PEC), including renewable energy systems (RES), high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission, flexible AC transmission system (FACTS), energy storages, and microgrids. The distinct characteristics of power electronic devices traditional synchronous generators, especially their rapid control speed, wide-band performance and lack of inertia response and spinning reserve, are altering grid dynamics, and inducing new stability challenges. Continuation of such trends could further exacerbate the risk to the stability of power grids because of factors such as low inertias, lack of spinning reserve to quickly nullify active power mismatch between demand and supply. Therefore, scientific investigations on novel dynamic modelling and stability analysis methods, data-driven monitoring and situation awareness on grid inertia-power-frequency evolution, grid dynamic frequency forecast methodologies in consideration of novel PEC control schemes, and advanced PEC grid integration control schemes to minimise frequency management risks become increasingly crucial for the secured operations of power systems with high PEC penetrations. In this Special Issue, namely ‘Dynamic Analysis, Control, and Situation Awareness of Power Systems with High Penetrations of Power Electronic Converters’, we have presented eight original papers of sufficient quality and innovation. The 10 eventually accepted papers can be clustered into three two categories, namely novel control design, stability and fault analysis

Frequency support scheme of grid‐forming based hybrid cascaded HVDC integrated wind farms

Abstract The grid‐following control‐based hybrid cascaded high‐voltage direct current (HC‐HVDC) links may contribute to the worsening of inertia decline and instability issues, especially in situations characterized by a weak grid. To address the challenge, this paper proposes a grid‐forming (GFM) based optimal frequency support scheme (OFSS) for HC‐HVDC integrated wind farms. Firstly, a GFM control for hybrid converter is proposed and its stability under weak grid conditions is evaluated through a small‐signal model. Then, DC current–voltage droop control is introduced to the line commutated converter (LCC). This control approach ensures the consistency of reactive power in the LCC by regulating the DC voltage and current in the same direction, thereby mitigating AC voltage fluctuations. It also facilitates active power control in the LCC in response to grid frequency variations. Furthermore, the OFSS can convey the frequency of receiving‐end grid to the rectifier and wind farms without communication for precise power control. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of OFSS, a point‐to‐point HC‐HVDC and a 4‐machine test model are constructed on PSCAD/EMTDC. The OFSS significantly enhances the frequency support capability of HC‐HVDC links and improves the robustness in weak grid

Power oscillation coordination damping control strategy of DFIG for fault ride through after clearing the fault

Wind turbines should have fault ride through capability, and also it can provide damping for the power grid by improving the control strategy. However, the currently corresponding control strategy is designed independent for the fault voltage through control and damping control. If the fault ride through control and damping control of a converter is uncoordinated under the grid fault, the output of the two control branches can be superimposed, which will affect the output power dynamic performance of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) after clearing the fault. At the same time the overcurrent and other issues may occur in serious cases, and even lead to DFIG trip off. Based on the dynamic process analysis of DFIG after clearing the fault, an additional damping controller in the rotor side converter control of DFIG is designed, which damps the system low-frequency oscillation by modulating the rotor active current component. A coordination damping control strategy of DFIG based on a fault ride through control and damping control is proposed for damping the power oscillation after clearing the fault, the correctness of the proposed control method has been verified through time-domain simulation

Study on Modelling Standardization of Double-fed Wind Turbine and Its Application

Based on the standardized modelling of the International Modelling Team, study on double-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine is processed in this paper, aiming at capability of universally and reasonably reflecting key performance related to large scale system analysis. The standardized model proposed is of high degree of structural modularity, easy functional extension and universalization of control strategy and signal. Moreover, it is applicable for wind turbines produced by different manufacturers through model parameter adjustment. The complexity of the model can meet both needs of grid-connected characteristic simulation of wind turbine and large scale power system simulation