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The paper addresses a real-time optimization-based reference calculation integrated with a control structure for Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) operating under normal and constrained situations (where it has reached current and/or voltage limitations, as it may occur during system faults). Firstly, a nonlinear optimization problem has been developed in which it prioritizes to satisfy the AC grid current set-points imposed by the transmission System Operator (TSO). The constrained nonlinear optimization problem is formulated based on the steady-state model of the MMC, whereby the prioritization is achieved through distinct weights defined in the Objective Function’s (OF) terms. The resultant optimization problem, however, is highly nonlinear requiring high computation burden to be solved in real-time. To cope with this issue, this paper applies a Linear Time-Varying (LTV) approximation, which permits to represent the nonlinear dynamics of the system as constant parameters, while a Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) system is used to formulate the optimization constraints. The converter’s current references are determined in real-time by solving a constrained linearized optimization problem at each control time step, which considers the TSO’s demands, the current MMC operating point and its physical limitations. Theoretical analyses comparing the responses of the linear and nonlinear optimization problems are performed to validate the accuracy of the LTV approximation. Finally, the linearized-optimization problem is integrated with the MMC controllers, evaluated under different AC and DC network conditions and compared with conventional control strategies, where it is shown that the presented method can be potentially employed to obtain the MMC current references for distinct network scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A European efficiency enhancement strategy for the grid-tied inverters with common dc bus and ac bus in parallel operation is proposed in this paper. Based on the inherent relationship between the dc bus voltage and the grid-feeding power, two dc bus voltage regulators with different output limits are employed in each grid-tied inverter. The operation of the dc bus voltage regulators depends on the grid-feeding power level. Therefore, the grid-tied inverter has priority up to the maximum efficiency operation point, and then, to operate at full load mode with the increase of the grid-feeding power. As a result, the European efficiency of the grid-tied system is improved without any communication link and extra hardware cost. The operation principle of the grid-tied inverter system is analyzed in detail with the implementation of the proposed control, and the design guidelines for key parameters are given and discussed. A prototype with three grid-tied inverters in parallel operation is built and experimental tests have been conducted on it in terms of steady-state performances and dynamic performances. The experimental results show that the operation modes of each grid-tied inverter depend on its sensing gain of the dc bus voltage. The European efficiency of the grid-tied inverter system with the conventional control and with the proposed control are 94.74% and 95.17%, respectively, which means the European efficiency has been enhanced by 0.43%. These results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage-source-converter (VSC) technologies present a bright opportunity in a variety of fields within the power system industry. New modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are expected to supersede two- and three-level VSC-based technologies for HVDC applications due to their recognized advantages in terms of scalability, performance, and efficiency. The computational burden introduced by detailed modeling of MMC-HVDC systems in electromagnetic-transients (EMT)-type programs complicates the study of transients especially when these systems are integrated into a large network. This paper presents a novel average-value model (AVM) for efficient and accurate representation of a detailed MMC–HVDC system. It also develops a detailed 401-level MMC-HVDC model for validating the AVM and studies the performance of both models when integrated into a large 400-kV transmission system in Europe. The results show that the AVM is significantly more efficient while maintaining its accuracy for the dynamic response of the overall system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a solution for transmission of bulk power over long distances. It allows the interconnection between remote power plants and power grids, which is a common situation in countries with continental dimensions, such as China, Russia, Brazil, and Canada, and also special projects like supergrids in Europe and Asia. This paper also presents an analytical analysis of series and shunt FACTS applications for tapping and power flow control in half-wavelength transmission lines. The proposed FACTS devices are able to drain or inject fractional active power in the half-wavelength line and simultaneously to control the main power flow through the line by means of reactive power compensation, without mischaracterizing its particular principle of half-wavelength operation. Simulation results from a frequency-dependent model of transmission line and the complete models of the series and the shunt FACTS devices were obtained in the PSCAD/EMTDC to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed systems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]