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This paper proposes a multifunctional control strategy and associated control algorithms for distributed wind-turbine (WT) based nano-grids connected to a distorted utility-grid. The contribution is on a new strategy with innovative control algorithms to coordinate multiple converters for a multitasking operation of the nano-grids. The novelty is on a unique control design with feasibilities: maximizing the generated power from WT, maintaining power quality in both ac- and dc-sides under critical conditions of the power grid, and improving power quality against distortion from local nonlinear loads under a reduced switching frequency. A robust fast-dynamic predictive control method is developed for current controllers to fulfil the multifunction. Unconstrained deadbeat control inputs are derived in twofold targets: ensuring fast dynamic response and significantly reducing both the computation and switching frequency for finite predictive control. The control system is applied on a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) WT-based nano-grid connected to a distorted utility-grid. An OPAL-RT-based real-time platform is used for comparative studies among the proportional integration (PI) control, finite predictive control (FS-MPC), and proposed control method. The performance verification exhibits the power quality improvement in both the nano- and utility-grids under critical conditions via high-performed regulation of currents, voltages, reactive power, and rotor-speed of the PMSG-WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a new control structure for grid-interfaced converters to enhance ancillary services from emerging electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (CS) under unbalanced and distorted grid conditions. Compared to existing methods, the proposed control structure is relatively simple yet effective for both regulating powers and minimizing harmonics under unbalanced and distorted grid conditions. A simple direct predictive control methodology is proposed where the positive fundamental component of currents is controlled for power regulation while other negative sequence or harmonic current components are set to zeros. Consequently, the charging station operation is enhanced with efficient ancillary services to the electric grid. The novelty originates from a simple predictive control structure in an abc-natural frame without adding any decoupled or separated current-component controllers. Comparative studies on both Matlab/Simulink platform and OPAL-RT-based real-time system among proportional integral (PI) control, finite predictive control, and the proposed method are conducted to verify the efficacy of the proposed structure. The comparative results show that the control structure improves the control performance and significantly enhances the support for the local loads under unbalanced, harmonic distorted grid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel wide-area control strategy to enhance the transient stability of a large inter-connected power grid. The proposed control strategy achieves maximal damping of the inter-area oscillations by calculating the optimal number of cluster centers based on a novel online coherency grouping. To achieve this objective, the critical electro-mechanical mode is selected using localness index method during transient conditions. In addition, the online identification of the full model is performed to estimate the states to be controlled during the grid disturbances. Thereafter, a discrete linear quadratic regulator (DLQR) is directly applied to the estimated states, and the corresponding signals are channelized through the loop of most controllable and observable machines of each coherent group. The efficacy of the proposed method is tested on IEEE 39 bus and IEEE 68 bus standard benchmark model. The results demonstrate faster damping with minimal computation burden compared to existing solutions such as a classical slow coherency and a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) based wide area damping controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault-current handling capability of the modular multilevel converters (MMCs) under dc-cable short-circuit conditions is a major concern for the MMC applications on the high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission systems, where the MMCs based on half-bridge submodules (SMs) cannot block the fault currents to protect the converter devices. In this paper, a comprehensive review for the fault-ride-through capability of the HVDC transmission systems based on the MMCs adopting different SM schemes is presented, where the MMCs can block the fault currents and compensate the reactive currents to the electric grid during the dc faults. An analysis of the dc short-circuit faults in the MMC is introduced and then the operation principle of different SM circuits building the MMC for blocking the fault currents is highlighted. The fault-tolerant operation of these MMC schemes as static synchronous compensator to enhance the ac grid stability during the dc faults is also investigated. A comparison in terms of investment cost, loss, volume, and controllability for various MMC topologies is performed. Comprehensive simulation results for the most promising topologies of the MMC with a capability of fault-ride through under dc-fault conditions are finally presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]