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This paper proposes a control strategy for a single-stage, three-phase, photovoltaic (PV) system that is connected to a distribution network. The control is based on an inner current-control loop and an outer dc-link voltage regulator. The current-control mechanism decouples the PV system dynamics from those of the network and the loads. The dc-link voltage-control scheme enables control and maximization of the real power output. Proper feedforward actions are proposed for the current-control loop to make its dynamics independent of those of the rest of the system. Further, a feedforward compensation mechanism is proposed for the dc-link voltage-control loop, to make the PV system dynamics immune to the PV array nonlinear characteristic. This, in turn, permits the design and optimization of the PV system controllers for a wide range of operating conditions. A modal/sensitivity analysis is also conducted on a linearized model of the overall system, to characterize dynamic properties of the system, to evaluate robustness of the controllers, and to identify the nature of interactions between the PV system and the network/loads. The results of the modal analysis confirm that under the proposed control strategy, dynamics of the PV system are decoupled from those of the distribution network and, therefore, the PV system does not destabilize the distribution network. It is also shown that the PV system dynamics are not influenced by those of the network (i.e., the PV system maintains its stability and dynamic properties despite major variations in the line length, line X/R ratio, load type, and load distance from the PV system). Index Terms--Control, eigenvalue analysis, feedforward, modal analysis, participation factor, photovoltaic (PV), power electronics, voltage-source converter (VSC).

This paper deals with modeling and stability analysis of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind-power unit that is interfaced with the grid via a series-compensated transmission line. A detailed mathematical model is developed in this paper that takes into account dynamics of the flux observer, phase-locked loop (PLL), controllers of the power-electronic converter, and wind turbine. Using the model and based on eigenvalue/participation-factor analysis, the system and controller parameters that substantially influence the system stability have been identified. The developed model is validated through a comprehensive set of simulation studies in the Matlab/Simulink and PSCAD/EMTDC software environments. Index Terms--Control, doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), eigenvalue analysis, participation factor, power electronics, series compensation, small-signal analysis, wind power.

This paper presents an active islanding detection method for a distributed resource (DR) unit which is coupled to a utility grid through a three-phase voltage-sourced converter (VSC). The method is based on injecting a negative-sequence current through the VSC controller and detecting and quantifying the corresponding negative-sequence voltage at the point of common coupling of the VSC by means of a unified three-phase signal processor (UTSP). UTSP is an enhanced phase-locked loop system which provides high degree of immunity to noise, and thus enable islanding detection based on injecting a small (< 3%) negative-sequence current. The negative-sequence current is injected by a negative-sequence controller which is adopted as the complementary of the conventional VSC current controller. Based on simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment, performance of the islanding detection method under UL1741 anti-islanding test is evaluated, and its sensitivity to noise, grid short-circuit ratio, grid voltage imbalance, and deviations in the UL1741 test parameters are presented. The studies show that based on negative-sequence current injection of about 2% to 3%, islanding can be detected within 60 ms even for the worst case scenario. Index Terms--Distributed resource (DR), islanding detection, UL1741 test.

This paper introduces and develops i) a novel unified dynamic model, and ii) new control schemes for a grid-connected static energy conversion system that is based on the voltage-sourced converter (VSC) configuration. The model and the controls are applicable to both the conventional two-level and the three-level neutral point diode clamped (NPC) VSCs. The model is unified since it represents the dynamic behavior of the VSC with respect to both positive- and negative-sequence components, due to unbalanced grid conditions and disturbances. To develop the unified model, the concepts of 'generalized sinusoidal pulse-width modulation (SPWM)' and 'VSC sequence subsystems' are presented. Based on the negative-sequence subsystem control, a new control strategy, to either balance the ac line currents or to mitigate dc-bus voltage ripples, is introduced. Application of the developed model and the controls to a variable-speed wind-power unit is presented in the paper. Index Terms--Instantaneous symmetrical components, neutral point diode clamped (NPC) converter, sequence subsystems, unbalanced operation, voltage-sourced converter (VSC), wind power.

Recent and ongoing developments in wind turbine technology indicate a trend towards utilization of high capacity (e.g., up to 5 MW) wind power units in large wind farms. Higher capacity of the wind turbine necessitates operation of the corresponding electric machine and the static converter system at higher voltages. This paper presents a neutral point diode clamped (NPC) converter system that inherently accommodates higher voltage and power ratings of a high capacity wind power unit. The overall control strategy of an NPC-based wind power unit and the details of the ac side and the dc side controls of the NPC converter system are also described. The generator-side NPC converter provides torque-speed control of the turbine-generator unit. The network-side NPC converter controls real and reactive power flow to the network and thus regulates the dc bus voltage and the ac side power-factor (or voltage) respectively. The paper also presents a new control approach to balance the dc capacitor voltages. The NPC converter system is augmented with a dc chopper that controls the synchronous generator field current. The NPC-based converter system is used to interface a 3 MW, direct-drive (gearless), synchronous machine based wind power unit to the utility grid. Performance of the overall NPC-based wind power unit, under the proposed controls, is evaluated based on time domain simulations in the power systems computer aided design (PSCAD) electromagnetic transient for DC (EMTDC) environment. Index Terms--Current control, dc-side voltage balancer, electromagnetic transients, neutral-point diode clamped (NPC) converter, variable-speed wind-power system.

This paper presents a comprehensive model of the Back-to-Back (BtB) HVDC system based on the three-level Neutral-Point Diode Clamped (NPC) converter. Based on the developed model, a systematic design procedure for i) the ac-side controllers, ii) the voltage balancer of the dc-side capacitors, and iii) the net dc-bus voltage controller, are presented. The model is developed based on the generalized state-space averaging method and the principle of power balance. The developed model precisely describes the system dynamics if the ac grids are strongly or moderately stiff, and offers acceptable precision otherwise. The averaged nature of the model inherently renders itself for analysis in the SIMULINK/MATLAB environment, and thus provides a computationally efficient tool for the design and the performance evaluation of the control. The accuracy of the developed model and the controls are validated by comparing the results from MATLAB/SIMULINK with those obtained from the exact switching model of the system, based on digital time-domain simulation studies, using the PSCAD/EMTDC software package. Index Terms--Back-to-Back HVDC system, current control, generalized state-space averaging, multilevel converter, Neutral Point Diode Clamped (NPC) converter.

This paper presents an in depth analysis to show that the conventional power balance model for the dc-side control of the Neutral Point Diode Clamped (NPC) converter is not adequately accurate for all operating conditions. The inaccuracy is due to the fact that the instantaneous power of the ac-side inductors is assumed to be negligible in the power balance equation. This paper shows that this assumption obscures (i) the impact of operating point which is a direct consequence of the inherent nonlinear nature of the problem and (ii) the nonminimum-phase property of the plant in the rectifying mode of operation. Thus, the conventional dc-side control model may lead to unsatisfactory performance or even instability. To overcome the shortcoming, this paper also develops accurate nonlinear and linearized models for the dc-side controller design, including the impact of the ac-side interface reactors. The analytical results and the conclusions are validated by digital time-domain simulation of a study system in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment. The mathematical developments and conclusions of the paper are equally applicable to the conventional two-level VSC. Index Terms--Generalized state-space averaging, multilevel converter, neutral point diode clamped (NPC) converter, nonminimum-phase plant, power balance.

A comprehensive dynamic model of the three-level Neutral Point Diode Clamped (NPC) converter, based on the generalized state-space averaging method, is presented. The developed model mathematically describes (i) the reason for and (ii) the impacts of the system parameter tolerances on the drift/imbalance of the DC-side capacitor voltages. Then, based on the developed model (i) a novel controller to prevent DC capacitor voltage drift/imbalance and (ii) a decoupled current controller in the dq-frame are designed. The paper also presents a feed-forward control to eliminate the coupling between the voltage balancer and the current controller. The accuracy of developed NPC converter model and the effectiveness of the proposed controls are verified by time-domain simulations of a study system in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment. Index Terms--Generalized averaging method, multi-level converter, neutral point voltage control, unipolar PWM.