Detection of Nonlinear Behavior Induced by Hard Limiting in Voltage Source Converters in Wind Farms Based on Higher-order Spectral Analysis

In recent years,sub-synchronous oscillation accidents caused by wind power integration have received extensive attention.The recorded constant-amplitude waveforms can be induced by either linear or nonlinear oscillation mechanisms.Hence,the nonlinear behavior needs to be distinguished prior to choosing the analysis method.Since the 1960s,the higher-order statistics(HOS)theory has become a powerful tool for the detection of nonlinear behavior(DNB)in production quality control wherein it has mainly been applied to mechanical condition monitoring and fault diagnosis.This study focuses on the hard limiters of the voltage source converter(VSC)control systems in the wind farms and attempts to detect the nonlinear behavior caused by bi-or uni-Iateral saturation hard limiting using the HOS analysis.First,the conventional describing function is extended to obtain the detailed frequency domain information on the bi-and uni-Iateral saturation hard limiting.Furthermore,the bi-and tri-spectra are introduced as the HOS,which are extended into bi-and tri-coherence spectra to eliminate the effects of the linear parts on the harmonic characteristics of hard limiting in the VSC control system,respectively.The effectiveness of the HOS in the DNB and the classification of the hard-limiting types is proven,and its detailed derivation and estimation procedure is presented.Finally,the quadratic and cubic phase coupling in the signals is illustrated,and the performance of the proposed method is evaluated and discussed.

Robust current control design of a three phase voltage source converter

In this paper,a robust design method for current control is proposed to improve the performance of a three phase voltage source converter(VSC)with an inductorcapacitor-inductor(LCL)filter.The presence of the LCL filter complicates the dynamics of the control system and limits the achievable control bandwidth(and the overall performance),particularly when the uncertainty of the parameters is considered.To solve this problem,the advanced H?control theory is employed to design a robust current controller in stationary coordinates.Both control of the fundamental frequency current and suppression of the potential LC resonance are considered.The design procedure and the selection of the weight functions are presented in detail.A conventional proportional-resonant PR controller is also designed for comparison.Analysis showed that the proposed H∞ current controller achieved a good frequency response with explicit robustness.The conclusion was verified on a 5 kW VSC that had a LCL filter.

Improved direct power control of a grid-connected voltage source converter during network unbalance

This paper deals with an improved direct power control(DPC) strategy for the pulse width modulation(PWM) voltage source converter(VSC) under unbalanced grid voltage conditions.In order to provide enhanced control performance for the VSC,the resonant controllers tuned at the double grid frequency are applied in the DPC design to eliminate the power pulsations and dc link voltage ripples produced by the transient unbalanced grid faults.In this way,the output power and dc link voltage of the VSC can be directly regulated without positive and negative sequential decomposition.As a result,and as has been verified by experiment,the proposed method can provide fast dynamic response with easy implementation.

Control Strategy Optimization of Voltage Source Converter Connected to Various Types of AC Systems

Connecting the voltage source converters(VSCs) to various types of AC systems results in different operation characteristics and core problems associated with traditional control strategies. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the control strategies of the VSCs according to the types of AC systems.For the VSCs connected to islanded renewable power plants, a voltage/frequency(V/f) droop control strategy is proposed to damp fluctuations of AC voltage and frequency in the island,which is vital for bipolar VSC control. In addition, a multibranch impedance equivalent method for renewable power plants is proposed, with which large-scale renewable power plants can be modeled accurately in the frequency domain to prevent wide-band oscillation. For the VSCs connected to strong AC systems, smart AC voltage and coordinated frequency transient control strategies are proposed, which can improve AC system transient stability. For the VSCs connected to weak AC systems, the relationship between the system stability and strength is analyzed, and then the control strategy of inner-loop control parameter optimization and outer-loop power limiting(if necessary) is proposed to improve the stability of the allied system. The proposed strategies are verified by both software simulation and field commissioning.

A Review of Series Voltage Source Converter with Fault Current Limiting Function

The series voltage source converter(SVSC)is widely used in the power electronic equipment,such as series active power filter,dynamic voltage restorer,unified power flow controller and so on.However,while the SVSC is more vulnerable to the impact of fault current,its applications are increasing,bringing huge challenges to the safe operation of the grid.In recent years,the topology and control strategy of the series voltage source converter with fault current limiting(SVSC-FCL)are a research hotspot.In this paper,it suggests classifying SVSC-FCL based SVSC into two groups:the control scheme optimization group and the existing topology improvement group.The research challenges and perspectives of the SVSC-FCL are introduced in detail.This paper aims to illustrate current research progress on SVSC-FCL and enrich the available pool of the multi-functional power electronic equipment.

Overview on Fault-Tolerant Four-Switch Three-Phase Voltage Source Converters

With the rapid development and widespread applications of power electronic converters,strong fault-tolerant capability of power electronic converters is required since they play important roles in power systems.In this paper,a review of one of the most promising fault-tolerant topologies for semiconductor open-circuit fault,called four-switch three-phase(FSTP)topology,is presented in terms of modeling analysis,modulation techniques,and control strategies.The configuration of FSTP voltage source converter(VSC)is illustrated.To minimize the negative effects caused by the innate drawbacks of this fault-tolerant converter topology,considerable research has been carried out regarding modulation techniques and control strategies.The modulation principle for FSTP topology is explained in detail,since the performance of FSTP VSCs relies on it.This paper aims to illustrate current research progress on this fault-tolerant FSTP VSC topology.

Derivation of Multilevel Voltage Source Converter Topologies for Medium Voltage Drives

Multilevel voltage source converters(MLVSCs)have been widely applied in the medium voltage drive(MVD)industry.The performance of a MVD system is strongly dependent on the utilized topology.As of today,many interesting topologies have been proposed and evaluated in literature.In addition to proposing new topologies,another important research topic is the MLVSC topology derivation.In this paper,two topology derivation principles,i.e.horizontal conformation principle and vertical conformation principle,are proposed from the standpoint of modularity.In both principles,a MLVSC topology can be considered as a certain combination of one base switching cell and several module switching cells.With the proposed principle,the derived topology will naturally have modularity,which is favorable in practical applications.In addition,voltage level extension based on cascaded H-bridge building blocks(HBBBs)is also introduced.The challenging issues faced by the emerging topologies for MVD applications are also discussed.It is hoped that this paper can provide a new perspective on the MLVSC topology derivation and inspire new topologies in the future.

Three Phase Dual Input Direct Matrix Converter for Integration of Two AC Sources from Wind Turbines

This project proposes a novel dual-input matrix converter (DIMC) which is used to integrate the output of the wind energy to a power grid. The proposed matrix converter is developed based on the traditional indirect matrix converter under reverse power flow operation mode, but with its six-switch voltage source converter replaced by a nine-switch configuration followed by the current source inverter (CSI). Matrix electric power conversion topologies and their switch functions are flexible and are used for specific applications. With the additional three switches, the proposed DIMC can provide six input terminals, which make it possible to integrate two independent AC sources from two independent wind turbines into a single grid tied power electronics interface. Commanded currents can be extracted from the two input sources to the grid. The proposed PI control and modulation schemes guaranteed sinusoidal input and output waveforms as well as reduced THD. The simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control and modulation schemes for the proposed converter.

An Adaptive Wireless Power Sharing Control for Multiterminal HVDC

Power sharing among multiterminal high voltage direct current terminals(MT-HVDC)is mainly developed based on a priority or sequential manners,which uses to prevent the problem of overloading due to a predefined controller coefficient.Furthermore,fixed power sharing control also suffers from an inability to identify power availability at a rectification station.There is a need for a controller that ensures an efficient power sharing among the MT-HVDC terminals,prevents the possibility of overloading,and utilizes the available power sharing.A new adaptive wireless control for active power sharing among multiterminal(MT-HVDC)systems,including power availability and power management policy,is proposed in this paper.The proposed control strategy solves these issues and,this proposed controller strategy is a generic method that can be applied for unlimited number of converter stations.The rational of this proposed controller is to increase the system reliability by avoiding the necessity of fast communication links.The test system in this paper consists of four converter stations based on three phase-two AC voltage levels.The proposed control strategy for a multiterminal HVDC system is conducted in the power systems computer aided design/electromagnetic transient design and control(PSCAD/EMTDC)simulation environment.The simulation results significantly show the flexibility and usefulness of the proposed power sharing control provided by the new adaptive wireless method.

R&D and application of voltage sourced converter based high voltage direct current engineering technology in China

As a new generation of direct current(DC)transmission technology,voltage sourced converter(VSC)based high voltage direct current(HVDC)has been widely developed and applied all over the world.China has also carried out a deep technical research and engineering application in this area,and at present,it has been stepped into a fast growing period.This paper gives a general review over China’s VSC based HVDC in terms of engineering technology,application and future development.It comprehensively analyzes the technical difficulties and future development orientation on the aspects of the main configurations of VSC based HVDC system,topological structures of converters,control and protection technologies,flexible DC cables,converter valve tests,etc.It introduces the applicable fields and current status of China’s VSC based HVDC projects,and analyzes the application trends of VSC based HVDC projects both in China and all over the world according to the development characteristics and demands of future power grids.

SINAMICS—the high efficiency drive technology for rolling mills

In the Metals Industry,interruption-free processes to produce high-quality end products are a prerequisite. The main drives together with the mill stands play a key role in the success of rolling mills.The crucial demands placed on the drive system are:high-dynamic performance of drive and its control system,ability to handle the process related overloads,smooth running,high availability,high efficiency,easy serviceability and ability to integrate seamlessly with the automation systems.With numerous reference installations and many years of experience Siemens VAI has the wider expertise and the portfolio to provide the right drive for every application. This paper examines the latest innovation,SINAMICS drive technology,for both new drive applications as well as for modernizing the existing drives in rolling mill applications like hot strips mills,plate mills,cold rolling mills,and long rolling mills.

Distributed Virtual Inertia Based Control of Multiple Photovoltaic Systems in Autonomous Microgrid

The large inertia of a traditional power system slows down system's frequency response but also allows decent time for controlling the system.Since an autonomous renewable microgrid usually has much smaller inertia,the control system must be very fast and accurate to fight against the small inertia and uncertainties.To reduce the demanding requirements on control,this paper proposes to increase the inertia of photovoltaic(PV) system through inertia emulation.The inertia emulation is realized by controlling the charging/discharging of the direct current(DC)-link capacitor over a certain range and adjusting the PV generation when it is feasible and/or necessary.By well designing the inertia,the DC-link capacitor parameters and the control range,the negative impact of inertia emulation on energy efficiency can be reduced.The proposed algorithm can be integrated with distributed generation setting algorithms to improve dynamic performance and lower implementation requirements.Simulation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Harmonic Domain Modelling of Space Vector Based STATCOM

This paper presents frequency domain method for harmonic analysis of space vector based STATCOM. Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) method is an advanced PWM method. It is a best method among all the PWM techniques. It provides a freedom in a switching cycle for placement space vector. In this paper, the SVPWM is used for switching of STATCOM. The harmonic (or frequency) domain is a steady-state form of harmonic analysis method, which represents converters to their harmonic spectra. This paper presents harmonic analysis by means of harmonic domain for space vector based Static shunt converter (STATCOM). Performance of the STATCOM is evaluated in harmonic domain simulation studies in MATLAB environment.

Dynamic Harmonic Domain Modelling of Space Vector Based SSSC

This paper presents analytical frequency domain method for harmonic modeling and evaluation of Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) based static synchronous series converter (SSSC). SVPWM is the best among all the PWM techniques. It gives a degree of freedom of space vector placement in a switching cycle. Dynamic modeling technique is used for space vector modulation (SVM) based voltage source converter that is adapted as a static synchronous series converter (SSSC) for harmonic analysis using dynamic harmonic domain. Performance of the SSSC is evaluated in dynamic harmonic domain simulation studies in MATLAB environment. The switching function spectra are necessary for harmonic transfer matrix which is calculated using Fourier series. This paper presents the analysis of harmonics for space vector based SSSC during steady state and dynamic condition.

Adaptive Reference Power Based Voltage Droop Control for VSC-MTDC Systems

Featuring low communication requirements and high reliability,the voltage droop control method is widely adopted in the voltage source converter based multi-terminal direct current(VSC-MTDC)system for autonomous DC voltage regulation and power-sharing.However,the traditional voltage droop control method with fixed droop gain is criticized for over-limit DC voltage deviation in case of large power disturbances,which can threaten stable operation of the entire VSCMTDC system.To tackle this problem,this paper proposes an adaptive reference power based voltage droop control method,which changes the reference power to compensate the power deviation for droop-controlled voltage source converters(VSCs).Besides retaining the merits of the traditional voltage droop control method,both DC voltage deviation reduction and power distribution improvement can be achieved by utilizing local information and a specific control factor in the proposed method.Basic principles and key features of the proposed method are described.Detailed analyses on the effects of the control factor on DC voltage deviation and imbalanced power-sharing are discussed,and the selection principle of the control factor is proposed.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the simulations on a five-terminal VSC based high-voltage direct current(VSC-HVDC)system.

Dual-Timescale Control for Power Electronic Zigzag Transformer

Power electronic zigzag transformer is an attractive solution for the flexible interconnection of smart distribution networks.It is constituted by slow-response and low-precision thyristor converters and fast-response and high-accuracy voltage source converters.This paper models its primary circuit and addresses its basic operation mechanism.Then a dual-timescale control scheme is investigated to realize the coordinated regulation of both types of converter.A simulation case is established in PSCAD containing interconnected mid-voltage distribution networks.Simulations with poor-and well-matched control timescales are both carried out.And accordingly,the power flow controllability under these conditions is compared.When the shorter control timescale is no more than tenth of the longer one,the power electronic zigzag transformer will operate with satisfying performances.

Research on hybrid multi-terminal high-voltage DC technology for offshore wind farm integration

Multi-terminal high-voltage DC(MTDC)technology is a promising way to transmit large amounts of offshore wind power to the main grids.This paper proposes a hybrid MTDC scheme to integrate several offshore wind farms into the onshore power grids at different locations.A hybrid four-terminal HVDC system comprising two onshore line commutated converters(LCCs)and two voltage source converters(VSCs)connecting an offshore wind farm is constructed in PSCAD/EMTDC.A coordination control scheme based on the VSCs’AC voltage control and the LCCs’DC voltage droop control is designed to ensure smooth system operation and proper power sharing between onshore AC grids.The operational characteristics of the system are analyzed.In addition,a black start-up method without any auxiliary power supply for the VSCs is proposed.The transmission scheme is tested through simulations under various conditions,including start-up,wind speed variation,and the disconnection of one VSC or of one LCC.

Virtual Difference Voltage Scheme for Fault Detection in VSC-HVDC Transmission Systems

In this paper,a fast fault detection scheme for voltage source converter based high-voltage direct current(VSCHVDC)transmission systems is proposed.Based on Bergeron model equations,the remote terminal voltage of an adopted transmission system is calculated in terms of the local measured current and voltage signals.Subsequently,the computed voltage of the remote terminal is compared with the corresponding actual measured-communicated value.Provided that the considered transmission system is functioning well,the difference between the computed and measured voltages is almost zero.However,a considerable virtual voltage arises for fault conditions.When the voltage difference exceeds a predetermined threshold,a fault condition can be detected.Although a reliable communication link is required,the delay for detecting the fault is not caused by the communication time.For evaluation purpose,a detailed simulation is developed using PSCAD/EMTDC with various fault locations,including the cases near the inside or outside of the protected transmission system.The results corroborate a fast detection scheme depending on a moderate sampling/processing frequency level.A high security level is verified even with the worst external faults,or with the misaligned measured samples at the terminals.This corroborates the suitability of the proposed scheme for protecting multi-terminal HVDC systems.

Virtual Conductance Based Cascade Voltage Controller for VSCs in Islanded Operation Mode

Voltage source converters have become the main enabler for the integration of distributed energy resources in microgrids.In the case of islanded operation,these devices normally set the amplitude and frequency of the network voltage by means of a cascade controller composed of an outer voltage control loop and an inner current control loop.Several strategies to compute the gains of both control loops have been proposed in the literature in order to obtain a fast and decoupled response of the voltages at the point of common coupling.This paper proposes an alternative and simple methodology based on the introduction of a virtual conductance in the classic cascade control.This strategy allows to design each control loop independently,obtaining a closed-loop response of a first-order system.In this way,the gains of each control loop are easily derived from the parameters of the LC coupling filter and the desired closed-loop time constants.Furthermore,a state observer is included in the controller to estimate the inductor current of the LC filter in order to reduce the number of required measurements.A laboratory testbed is used to validate and compare the proposed controller.The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal both in steady-state and transient regimes.

Secondary Frequency Control Considering Optimized Power Support From Virtual Power Plant Containing Aluminum Smelter Loads Through VSC-HVDC Link

The growing number of renewable energy replacing conventional generators results in a loss of the reserve for frequency control in power systems,while many industrial power grids often have excess energy supply due to abundant wind and solar energy resources.This paper proposes a secondary frequency control(SFC)strategy that allows industrial power grids to provide emergency high-voltage direct current(HVDC)power support(EDCPS)for emergency to a system requiring power support through a voltage source converter(VSC)HVDC link.An architecture including multiple model predictive control(MPC)controllers with periodic communication is designed to simultaneously obtain optimized EDCPS capacity and minimize adverse effects on the providing power support(PPS)system.Moreover,a model of a virtual power plant(VPP)containing aluminum smelter loads(ASLs)and a high penetration of wind power is established for the PPS system.The flexibility and controllability of the VPP are improved by the demand response of the ASLs.The uncertainty associated with wind power is considered by chance constraints.The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified by simulation results using the data of an actual industrial power grid in Inner Mongolia,China.The DC voltage of the VSCs and the DC in the potlines of the ASLs are also investigated in the simulation.