Review of dc-dc converters for multi-terminal HVDC transmission networks

This study presents a comprehensive review of high-power dc-dc converters for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, with emphasis on the most promising topologies from established and emerging dc-dc converters. In addition, it highlights the key challenges of dc-dc converter scalability to HVDC applications, and narrows down the desired features for high-voltage dc-dc converters, considering both device and system perspectives. Attributes and limitations of each dc-dc converter considered in this study are explained in detail and supported by time-domain simulations. It is found that the front-to-front quasi-two-level operated modular multilevel converter, transition arm modular converter and controlled transition bridge converter offer the best solutions for high-voltage dc-dc converters that do not compromise galvanic isolation and prevention of dc fault propagation within the dc network. Apart from dc fault response, the MMC dc auto transformer and the transformerless hybrid cascaded two-level converter offer the most efficient solutions for tapping and dc voltage matching of multi-terminal HVDC networks

DC-DC converter designs for medium and high voltage direct current systems

DC fault protection is one challenge impeding the development of multi-terminal dc grids. The absence of manufacturing and operational standards has led to many point-to-point HVDC links built at different voltage levels, which creates another challenge. Therefore, the issues of voltage matching and dc fault isolation in high voltage dc systems are undergoing extensive research and are the focus of this thesis. The modular multilevel design of dual active bridge (DAB) converters is analysed in light of state-of-the-art research in the field. The multilevel DAB structure is meant to serve medium and high voltage applications. The modular design facilitates scalability in terms of manufacturing and installation, and permits the generation of an output voltage with controllable dv/dt. The modular design is realized by connecting an auxiliary soft voltage clamping circuit across each semiconductor switch (for instance insulated gate bipolar transistor - IGBT) of the series switch arrays in the conventional two-level DAB design. With auxiliary active circuits, series connected IGBTs effectively become series connection of half-bridge submodules (cells) in each arm, resembling the modular multilevel converter (MMC) structure. For each half-bridge cell, capacitance for quasi-square wave (quasi two- level) operation is significantly smaller than typical capacitance used in MMCs. Also, no bulky arm inductors are needed. Consequently, the footprint, volume, weight and cost of cells are lower. Four switching sequences are proposed and analysed in terms of switching losses and operation aspects. A design method to size converter components is proposed and validated. Soft-switching characteristics of the analysed DAB are found comparable to the case of a two-level DAB at the same ratings and conditions. A family of designs derived from the proposed DAB design are studied in depth. Depending on the individual structure, they may offer further advantages in term of installed semiconductor power, energy storage, conduction losses, or footprint. A non-isolated dc-dc converter topology which offers more compact and efficient station design with respect to isolated DAB - yet without galvanic isolation - is studied for quasi two-level (trapezoidal) operation and compared to the isolated versions. In all the proposed isolated designs, active control of the dc-dc converter facilitates dc voltage regulation and near instant isolation of pole-to-pole and pole-to-ground dc faults within its protection zone. The same can be achieved for the considered non-isolated dc-dc converter topology with additional installed semiconductors. Simulation and experimental results are presented to substantiate the proposed concepts.DC fault protection is one challenge impeding the development of multi-terminal dc grids. The absence of manufacturing and operational standards has led to many point-to-point HVDC links built at different voltage levels, which creates another challenge. Therefore, the issues of voltage matching and dc fault isolation in high voltage dc systems are undergoing extensive research and are the focus of this thesis. The modular multilevel design of dual active bridge (DAB) converters is analysed in light of state-of-the-art research in the field. The multilevel DAB structure is meant to serve medium and high voltage applications. The modular design facilitates scalability in terms of manufacturing and installation, and permits the generation of an output voltage with controllable dv/dt. The modular design is realized by connecting an auxiliary soft voltage clamping circuit across each semiconductor switch (for instance insulated gate bipolar transistor - IGBT) of the series switch arrays in the conventional two-level DAB design. With auxiliary active circuits, series connected IGBTs effectively become series connection of half-bridge submodules (cells) in each arm, resembling the modular multilevel converter (MMC) structure. For each half-bridge cell, capacitance for quasi-square wave (quasi two- level) operation is significantly smaller than typical capacitance used in MMCs. Also, no bulky arm inductors are needed. Consequently, the footprint, volume, weight and cost of cells are lower. Four switching sequences are proposed and analysed in terms of switching losses and operation aspects. A design method to size converter components is proposed and validated. Soft-switching characteristics of the analysed DAB are found comparable to the case of a two-level DAB at the same ratings and conditions. A family of designs derived from the proposed DAB design are studied in depth. Depending on the individual structure, they may offer further advantages in term of installed semiconductor power, energy storage, conduction losses, or footprint. A non-isolated dc-dc converter topology which offers more compact and efficient station design with respect to isolated DAB - yet without galvanic isolation - is studied for quasi two-level (trapezoidal) operation and compared to the isolated versions. In all the proposed isolated designs, active control of the dc-dc converter facilitates dc voltage regulation and near instant isolation of pole-to-pole and pole-to-ground dc faults within its protection zone. The same can be achieved for the considered non-isolated dc-dc converter topology with additional installed semiconductors. Simulation and experimental results are presented to substantiate the proposed concepts

A series flywheel architecture for power levelling and mitigation of dc voltage transients in multi-terminal HVDC grids

This study proposes a new architecture of flywheel energy storage system (FESS) which can be implemented at generating unit (GU) level (e.g. wind turbine) or scaled up for application in grid-side converter (GSC) stations of a multiterminal direct current (MTDC) system. The proposed architecture suppresses DC voltage leaps under grid faults, and performs power levelling duty at grid connection points. When implemented at GU level, the proposed FESS features a doubly-fed induction machine (DFIM) - the flywheel machine - where its six stator winding terminals are connected in series between the grid and the GSC. The flywheel converter is of partial power rating, and is connected to the DFIM rotor. When employed at an MTDC GSC station, several submodules are connected to build an FESS station. The study proposes the control concept and the general topology of the FESS station. The performance parameters of the system are tested under normal and abnormal operating conditions. Results and analyses indicate smooth dynamic operation, the economic advantage and the improved fault ride-through capability because of the proposed system.NPRP grant NPRP (4-250-2-080) from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation)