Julian Freytes

On the modeling of MMC for use in large scale dynamic simulations

This paper focuses on simplified models of the Modular Multilevel Converter suitable for large-scale dynamic studies, in particular simulations under the phasor approximation. Compared to the existing literature, this paper does not a priori adopt the modeling approach followed for the original two-level or three-level Voltage Source Converter. On the contrary, a model is derived following a physical analysis that preserves its average internal dynamic behavior. An equivalent control structure is proposed and various alternatives are highlighted. The proposed model with its controllers has been implemented in a phasor simulation software and its response has been validated against a detailed Electromagnetic Transient model. Finally, an illustrative example is presented with the application of the proposed model on a large grid consisting of AC areas interconnected with a multi-terminal DC grid.

Losses estimation method by simulation for the modular multilevel converter

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is the most promising solution to connect HVDC grids to an HVAC one. The installation of new equipment in the HVDC transmission systems requires an economic study where the power losses play an important role. Since the MMC is composed of a high number of semiconductors elements, the losses estimation becomes complex. This paper proposes a simulation-based method for the losses estimation that combines the MMC averaged and instantaneous model in a modular way. The method brings the possibility to compare performances for different modules technologies as well as different high and low level control techniques. The losses characteristics within the MMC are also discussed. The passive losses are taken into account for the first time.

Small-signal state-space modeling of an HVDC link with modular multilevel converters

The Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) represents the recent development among the diverse available topologies of VSC and is allegedly the most suitable solution for converters in HVDC transmissions. This paper presents an Average Value Model (AVM) of the MMC that still includes the characteristic internal dynamics that are non-existent in traditional 2-level VSCs. This AVM and its control are described and linearized in order to obtain a state-space model of the MMC that can easily be used as a subsystem for multi-terminal HVDC (MTDC) grids. A case study showing a 401-level MMC-based HVDC link simulated in the EMTP-RV software validates the proposed state-space representation of the MMC.

Optimal control design for Modular Multilevel Converters operating on multi-terminal DC Grid

This paper proposes an advanced control strategy for Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) integrated in Multiterminal DC grid. In this present work, a three terminal MMC-MTDC system connecting onshore AC systems with an offshore wind farm is setup. Firstly, the voltage droop control associated to the conventional cascaded controllers for MMC stations is studied, the dynamic behavior of the DC voltage is analyzed and some drawbacks are outlined. In order to improve the dynamic behavior of the controlled DC bus voltage and the stability of MTDC system, an optimal multivariable control strategy of each MMC converter is proposed and integrated in a voltage droop controller strategy. The designed advanced controller allows to improve the overall DC grid stability and to reach the droop values designed on static considerations with acceptable dynamic behavior. By means of numerical simulations in EMTP-RV software, it is shown that the proposed control strategy performs well the stability of MTDC grid with 400-level model for MMC compared with the classic existing control methods.

Improving Small-Signal Stability of an MMC With CCSC by Control of the Internally Stored Energy

The dc-side dynamics of modular multilevel converters (MMCs) can be prone to poorly damped oscillations or stability problems when the second-harmonic components of the arm currents are mitigated by a circulating current suppression controller (CCSC). This paper demonstrates that the source of these oscillations is the uncontrolled interaction of the dc-side current and the internally stored energy of the MMC, as resulting from the CCSC. Stable operation and improved performance of the MMC control system can be ensured by introducing the closed-loop control of the energy and the dc-side current. The presented analysis relies on a detailed state-space model of the MMC, which is formulated to obtain constant variables in steady state. The resulting state-space equations can be linearized to achieve a linear time invariant model, allowing for eigenvalue analysis of the small-signal dynamics of the MMC. Participation factor analysis is utilized to identify the source of the poorly damped dc-side oscillations, and indicates the suitability of introducing control of the internal capacitor voltage or the corresponding stored energy. An MMC connected to a dc power source with an equivalent capacitance, and operated with dc voltage droop in the active power flow control, is used as an example for the presented analysis. The developed small-signal models and the improvement in small-signal dynamics achieved by introducing control of the internally stored energy are verified by time-domain simulations in comparison to an electro-magnetic transient (EMT) simulation model of an MMC with 400 submodules per arm.

Dynamic impact of MMC controllers on DC voltage droop controlled MTDC grids

The Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) has enhanced the feasibility of Multi-Terminal DC grids (MTDC). For controlling the DC bus voltage in the MTDC grids, the droop control is the most promised technique. This paper evaluates the dynamic impact of the way of controlling the MMC on the MTDC grids. Results are compared with a simplified model that highlights the key elements for the dynamic behavior of the DC bus voltage, the droop parameter and the equivalent DC bus capacitor.

Impact of control algorithm solutions on Modular Multilevel Converters electrical waveforms and losses

Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) are becoming increasingly popular with the development of HVDC connection and, in the future, Multi Terminal DC grid. A lot of publications have been published about this topology these last years since it was first proposed. Many of them deal with converter control methods, other address the method of estimating losses. Usually, the proposed losses estimation techniques are associated to simple control methods For VSC (Voltage Sources Converters) topology, the losses minimization is based on the limitation of the RMS currents values. This hypothesis is usually extended to the control of MMC, by limiting the differential currents to their DC component, without really being checked. This paper investigates the impact of two control algorithms variants on electrical quantities (currents, capacitor voltages ripple, losses). From the published results, it is shown that in some cases the usual choice is not the best one.

State-space modelling with steady-state time invariant representation of energy based controllers for modular multilevel converters

The average value model of the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) is in general non-linear with time periodic variables. Recent developments demonstrated how the MMC model can be transformed into a a Steady-State Time Invariant (SSTI) representation allowing for linearization of the model. While previous modeling efforts for small-signal eigenvalue analysis considered mainly the classical Circulating Current Suppressing Controller (CCSC), this paper presents an approach for representing a complete energy-based control system in a set of Synchronously Rotating Frames (SRFs). This is obtained by separating the state variables according the their frequency components and applying corresponding Park transformations. The resulting model is based on existing controllers implemented in the stationary abc frame, and enables small-signal stability studies of MMCs with such control systems. Simulations results comparing an EMT type MMC model with the complete SSTI system validate the proposed approach.

Coordinated control for multi terminal DC grids connected to offshore wind farms

This article deals with power flow coordination of a HVDC grid used to connect offshore wind farms to several mainland grids. The coordination of the DC grid is achieved thanks to a centralized control which monitors and sends proper setpoints to manage power flow. This controller is equipped with a dedicated algorithm which enables to guarantee as much as possible the desired power transfer and cope with wind power forecast errors. Moreover, this HVDC grid controller is used as interface for the AC transmission system operator to redistribute power flow among grid side converter stations in order to de-risk AC contingencies and avoid wind power spillage. Simulations results obtained from an EMT model of a five-terminal MTDC grid with Modular Multilevel Converters prove the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in normal operation as well as the system restoration after a wind farm disconnection.