A space vector modulation approach for a multimodule HVDC converter system

This paper presents the application of a space vector modulation (SVM) strategy for a multimodule converter system that 1) enables low switching frequency, 2) eliminates/minimizes ac-side voltage harmonics, particularly low-order harmonics, and 3) provides maximum ac-side fundamental voltage component. The SVM strategy is based on a sequential sampling technique. The SVM provides harmonic cancellation/minimization by introducing appropriate phase shift for the corresponding voltage harmonics of the converter modules, while maintaining the fundamental voltage components of modules in-phase to obtain maximum ac-side voltage. The SVM eliminates the need for complicated transformer arrangement for harmonic reduction, and thus provides high degree of modularity by utilization of identical transformers for converter modules. The proposed SVM strategy is developed for a back-to-back HVDC converter station in which each converter system is composed of four identical modules. Based on a dynamic model of the system, converter controls are designed and performance of the SVM strategy in terms of converter harmonics and dynamic performance are presented. The studies are performed in time-domain, using the PSCAD/EMTDC software tool. Index Terms--Dynamic model, harmonics, HVDC, multimodule converter, space vector modulation (SVM).