Multilevel Modular Converter for VSC-HVDC Transmission Applications: Control and Operational Aspects

Control methods for a new class of converter, the multilevel modular converter (MMC), recently introduced for HVDC transmission are discussed. The paper discusses converter-level controls including firing pulse generation and capacitor voltage balancing. It also covers higher level controls for incorporating the converter into a larger power network, with a weak ac receiving end. The performance behavior is studied using electromagnetic transients simulation. Keywords-Voltage Source Convert (VSC), Multilevel Modular Converter (MMC), HVDC Transmission, Weak ac networks

[1]  Tore Undeland,et al.  Multi-Terminal VSC-HVDC System for Integration of Offshore Wind Farms and Green Electrification of Platforms in the North Sea , 2008 .

[2]  Lennart Söder,et al.  Active and reactive power control of a VSC-HVdc , 2008 .

[3]  Ying Jiang-Hafner,et al.  HVDC with voltage source converters - a powerful standby black start facility , 2008, 2008 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition.

[4]  Kai Strunz,et al.  Nested Fast and Simultaneous Solution for Time-Domain Simulation of Integrative Power-Electric and Electronic Systems , 2007 .

[5]  Rainer Marquardt,et al.  An innovative modular multilevel converter topology suitable for a wide power range , 2003, 2003 IEEE Bologna Power Tech Conference Proceedings,.

[6]  Fang Zheng Peng,et al.  Multilevel converters-a new breed of power converters , 1995, IAS '95. Conference Record of the 1995 IEEE Industry Applications Conference Thirtieth IAS Annual Meeting.

[7]  Cuiqing Du VSC-HVDC for Industrial Power Systems , 2007 .

[8]  Fang Zheng Peng,et al.  Multilevel inverters: a survey of topologies, controls, and applications , 2002, IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron..

[9]  M. P. Bahrman,et al.  Voltage source converter transmission technologies: the right fit for the application , 2003, 2003 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting (IEEE Cat. No.03CH37491).

[10]  Simon P. Teeuwsen,et al.  Simplified dynamic model of a voltage-sourced converter with modular multilevel converter design , 2009, 2009 IEEE/PES Power Systems Conference and Exposition.

[11]  D. Retzmann,et al.  Prospects of multilevel VSC technologies for power transmission , 2008, 2008 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition.

[12]  Hirofumi Akagi,et al.  A New Neutral-Point-Clamped PWM Inverter , 1981, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

[13]  U N Gnanarathna,et al.  Efficient Modeling of Modular Multilevel HVDC Converters (MMC) on Electromagnetic Transient Simulation Programs , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.