As an important part of robust design of an HVDC station, all HVDC equipmentshould stay safe and sound during steady state mode as well as transientcondition. In order to have a proper dimensioning for the equipment,maximum transient stress and current should be derived and calculated byperforming transient current studies.The transient current studies should be done twice during the project process,tender and delivery phase. Based on the nature of these two phases, simplifiedformulas derived from Thevenin circuit is used during tender work whilecomprehensive HVDC models and simulation in PSCAD is used in deliveryphase of a project.The scope of the Exam work is to derive formulas for the dimensioning transientcurrents for asymmetric VSC monopoles and create a calculation tool. In orderto have a better platform for future developments such as optimizeddimensioning of equipment vs transient current, the result is a calculation toolin Matlab with the collected formulas derived from Thevenin voltage andimpedances of the equivalent circuit for decisive faults cases. / Som en viktig del av en robust design av en HVDC-station bör alla HVDCutrustningarvara säker under normal och transient drift. Maximal överströmnivå borde beräknas för varje utrustning för att få korrekt dimensionering avvarje utrustning. Denna brukar utföras i transient överström studier.De transient överström studier brukar göras två gånger under varjeprojektprocessen, anbuds- och leveransfasen. Baserat på karaktären av dessatvå faser används förenklade formler från Thevenin-kretsen underanbudsarbete, medan omfattande HVDC-modeller och simulering i PSCADanvänds i leveransfasen av ett projekt.Exjobb arbetet här visar hur förenklade formler för dimensionering av transientströmmar för asymmetriska VSC-monopoler skapas.För att få en bättre plattform för framtida utvecklingar såsom optimeraddimensionering av utrustning vs transient ström har ett verktyg som baserat påMatlab skaffats.

L'intégration des liaisons à courant continu dans les systèmes électriques permet d’accroitre les possibilités de pilotage des réseaux, ce qui permet d’en améliorer la sûreté et de raccorder de nouveaux moyens de production. Pour cela la technologie VSC-HVDC est de plus en plus plébiscitée pour interconnecter des réseaux non synchrones, raccorder des parcs éoliens offshore, ou contrôler le flux d’énergie notamment sur des longues distances au travers de liaisons sous-marines (liaison NorNed). Les travaux de cette thèse portent sur la modélisation, la commande non-linéaire et la stabilisation des systèmes VSC–HVDC, avec deux axes de travail. Le premier se focalise sur la conception et la synthèse des lois de commandes non-linéaires avancées basées sur des systèmes de structures variables (VSS). Ainsi, les commandes par modes glissants (SMC) et le suivi asymptotique de trajectoire des sorties (AOT) ont été proposées afin d’assurer un degré désiré de stabilité en utilisant des fonctions de Lyapunov convenables. Ensuite, la robustesse de ces commandes face à des perturbations et/ou incertitudes paramétriques a été étudiée. Le compromis nécessaire entre la robustesse et le comportement dynamique requis dépend du choix approprié des gains. Ces approches robustes, qui sont facile à mettre en œuvre, ont été appliquées avec succès afin d’atteindre des performances dynamiques élevées et un niveau raisonnable de stabilité vis-à-vis des diverses conditions anormales de fonctionnement, pour des longueurs différentes de liaison DC. Le deuxième vise à étudier l’influence de la commande du convertisseur VSC-HVDC sur l'amélioration de la performance dynamique du réseau de courant alternatif en cas d’oscillations. Après une modélisation analytique d’un système de référence constitué d’un groupe connecté à un convertisseur VSC-HVDC via un transformateur et une ligne, un contrôleur conventionnel simple PI est appliqué au niveau du convertisseur du système pour agir sur les oscillations rotoriques de la machine synchrone. Cette commande classique garantie une amélioration acceptable des performances dynamiques du système; surtout pour l'amortissement des oscillations de l'angle de puissance de la machine synchrone lors de défauts. / The integration of nonlinear VSC-HVDC transmission systems in power grids becomes very important for environmental, technical, and economic reasons. These systems have enabled the interconnection of asynchronous networks, the connection of offshore wind farms, and the control of power flow especially for long distances. This thesis aims the non-linear control and stabilization of VSC-HVDC systems, with two main themes. The first theme focuses on the design and synthesis of nonlinear control laws based on Variable Structure Systems (VSS) for VSC-HVDC systems. Thus, the Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and the Asymptotic Output Tracking (AOT) have been proposed to provide an adequate degree of stability via suitable Lyapunov functions. Then, the robustness of these commands has been studied in presence of parameter uncertainties and/or disturbances. The compromise between controller’s robustness and the system’s dynamic behavior depends on the gain settings. These control approaches, which are robust and can be easily implemented, have been applied to enhance the system dynamic performance and stability level in presence of different abnormal conditions for different DC link lengths. The second theme concerns the influence of VSC-HVDC control on improving the AC network dynamic performance during transients. After modeling the Single Machine via VSC-HVDC system in which the detailed synchronous generator model is considered, the conventional PI controller is applied to the converter side to act on damping the synchronous machine power angle oscillations. This simple control guarantees the reinforcement of the system dynamic performance and the power angle oscillations damping of the synchronous machine in presence of faults.

Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Electrical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / The development of power electronics did remove most of technical limitations that high voltage direct current (HVDC) used to have. HVDC, now, is mostly used for the transmission of bulk power over long distances and for the interconnection of asynchronous grid. Along with the development of the HVDC, the growth of power demand also increased beyond the utilities capacities. Besides the on-going increasing of power demand, the reforms in electricity market have led to the liberalization and the incorporation of Independent power providers in power system operation. Regulations and rules have been established by regulating authority for grid integration of Independent power providers. With the expected increase of penetration level of those new independent power providers, result of economic reason and actual green energy trend, best method of integration of those new power plants are required. In this research HVDC technology, namely VSC-HVDC is used as interface for connecting independent power providers units to the grid. VSC-HVDC has various advantages such as short-circuit contribution and independent control of active and reactive power. VSC-HVDC advantages are used for a safe integration of IPPs and make them participate to grid stabilization. MATLAB/Simulink simulations of different grid connected, through VSC-HVDC system, IPPs technologies models are performed. For each IPP technology model, system model performances are studied and dynamics responses during the disturbance are analyzed in MATLAB/ Simulink program. The simulation results show that the model satisfy the standard imposed by the regulating authority in terms of power quality and grid support. Also the results show the effect of the VSC-HVDC in preventing faults propagation from grid to integrated IPPs units.

Die Bedeutung von Leistungshalbleitern mit großem Bandabstand (Wide Band Gap, WBG) nahm in den letzten drei Jahrzehnten kontinuierlich zu. Diese Bauelemente haben das Potenzial, Silizium (Si) - Bauelemente in bestimmten Anwendungen sowie Leistungs- und Frequenzbereichen zu ersetzen. Siliziumkarbid (SiC)-Leistungshalbleiter sind die gegenwärtig am Weitesten entwickelten WBG-Leistungshalbleiter. Dank besonderer Materialeigenschaften zeichnen sich SiC-Leistungshalbleiter im Vergleich zu Si-Bauelementen durch einen geringeren spezifischen Widerstand, eine höhere Schaltgeschwindigkeit, geringere schaltverluste sowie eine höhere maximale Sperrschichttemperatur aus. Die deutlich erhöhten Herstellungskosten limitieren den Einsatz von SiC-Leistungshalbleitern auf Anwendungen, in denen die Vorteile dieser Bauelemente die höheren Kosten überkompensieren und Systemvorteile ermöglichen. Heute werden SiC-Leistungshalbleiter z.B. in Solarwechselrichtern oder in Elektrofahrzeugen verwendet. Für Stromrichter industrieller elektrischer Antriebe ist die Kosten-Nutzen-Bilanz des Einsatzes von SiC-Leistungshalbleitern gegenwärtig nicht bekannt. Diese Fragestellung motiviert diese Arbeit. Die Auslegung sowie die daraus resultierenden Vor- und Nachteile eines Stromrichters mit SiC-Leistungshalbleitern für elektrische Industrieantriebe ist der Untersuchungsgegenstand dieser Arbeit. Zu diesem Zweck wurde unter Einhaltung industrieller Auslegungskriterien ein 240 kVA SiC-basierter Stromrichterdemonstrator als aktiver Gleichrichter am dreiphasigen 690 V Niederspannungsnetz untersucht. Auf der Basis einer Stromrichterauslegung für SiC- und Si-Leistungshalbleiter wurde ein theoretischer Vergleich von Kosten, Effizienz, Größe und Gewicht durchgeführt. Die Arbeit stellt zunächst den Stand der Technik für SiC-Leistungshalbleiter dar. Anschließend wird ein geeignetes SiC-MOSFET Module für den industriellen Stromrichter ausgewählt und bezüglich des Schaltverhaltens sowie der Parallelschaltung charakterisiert. Der Auslegung des Stromrichterleistungsteils liegen industrielle Anforderungen zu Grunde. Ein realisierter Demonstrator für einen netzseitigen Stromrichter (Active Front End) ist durch eine symmetrische Parallelschaltung von zwei SiC-Modulen, geeignete Ansteuerschaltungen (Gate Drive Units), eine niedrige Streuinduktivität im Kommutierungskreis sowie ein LCL-Filter mit Standard-Kernmaterialien gekennzeichnet. Der Stromrichtervergleich zeigt, dass der betrachtete Stromrichter mit SiC-Leistungshalbleitern im gesamten Betriebsbereich geringere Verluste verursacht als ein vergleichbarer Stromrichter mit Si-Leistungshalbleitern. Der SiC - basierte Stromichter ermöglicht auch eine deutliche Gewichtsreduktion bei ca. 89% der Systemkosten. Somit stellen SiC-Leistungshalbleiter eine attraktive technische Lösung für die untersuchte Anwendung eines aktiven Gleichrichters für industrielle elektrische Antriebe dar. / Wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductors have drawn steadily increasing interest in power electronics in the last three decades. These devices have shown the potential of replacing silicon as the default semiconductor solution for several applications in determined power and frequency ranges. Among them the most mature WBG semiconductor material is silicon carbide (SiC), which presents several characteristics at the crystal level that translate in the potential of presenting lower resistivity, be able to switch faster with lower switching loss, and present both higher characteristics to tolerate and dissipate heat when com pared with silicon. However, the same characteristics that make it great also present a different set of drawbacks to be considered, which aligned with its increased cost make it challenging to assess if its advantages are justified for a particular application. Applications that highly value efficiency and/or power density are the most benefited, and converter solutions featuring the technology have already breached into these application markets. However in other applica tions, the line from which silicon carbide starts making sense in the cost/benefits/drawbacks balance is not clear. This is typically the case of industrial applications, which were the main focus and motivation of this work. Hence, in this work the main goal has been to determine the basic characteristics, advantages and limitations that SiC technology designs for industrial low voltage high power grid connected converters present. To that end, a 690 V, 240 kVA SiC-based grid-tied converter demonstrator following industrial design criteria has been developed. Then, based on this design procedure a theoretical comparison between a 690 V, 190 kVA SiC-based converter against a silicon-based converter designed for the same power output has been performed to compare them regarding cost, efficiency, size and weight. This work also comprises a thorough revision of the state of art of SiC devices, which led to the selection of the switching device. Additionally, a characterization of both single and parallel-connected operation of the semiconductor modules was performed, to determine the module characteristics and its suitability to build the SiC converter demonstrator. Results show that the converter demonstrator operates as designed, proving that is possible with the corresponding precautions to achieve: a low inductive power loop, balanced parallel connection of SiC modules, adequate driving circuits for the parallel-connected modules and an adequate filtering solution in compliance with grid-codes based on standard core materials for the selected switching frequency. Finally, the theoretical comparison between the two designed power converters shows that, attained to the conditions of the comparison, the SiC converter solution presents efficiency gains over the whole operating range, while presenting substantial weight savings at 89% of the costs of the Si-IGBT design, presenting itself as the cost-effective solution for the presented application requirements under the given design constraints.

A tendência mundial de crescimento do consumo de energia elétrica requer novas unidades de geração para suprimento de demanda. Além disso, há preocupação na diversificação da matriz energética, e as fontes de energia nem sempre são de fácil acesso aos grandes centros de consumo, o que traz a problemática do transporte de energia elétrica. Sistemas em Corrente Alternada (CA) têm sido empregados na transmissão de energia há décadas, e atualmente os sistemas de transmissão em Corrente Contínua (CC) mostram-se uma opção vantajosa tanto na transmissão ponto a ponto por longas distâncias, quanto para múltiplos terminais, integrando diferentes fontes geradoras de energia. Os conhecidos sistemas de transmissão CC em alta tensão baseados em conversores comutados pela rede têm aplicações consolidadas ao redor do mundo, enquanto que, para a emergente tecnologia dos conversores comutados por largura de pulso (PWM), poucos estudos mostram seu desempenho frente transitórios na rede. A exposição do extenso perímetro das linhas de transmissão às condições geográficas e climatológicas motiva esta pesquisa perante a incidência de impulsos atmosféricos, tendo em vista que a maior parte dos estudos têm avaliado transitórios eletromagnéticos ocasionados por faltas. Para tanto, uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema de pesquisa é apresentada, com a descrição dos principais componentes de sistemas HVDC, a análise de sistemas VSC-HVDC, utilizando conversores dois níveis, frente transitórios eletromagnéticos provocados pela incidência direta de descargas atmosféricas tanto na rede CA quanto no elo CC, utilizando o software comercial PSCAD/EMTD para a simulação e modelagem dos para-raios de Óxido de Zinco (ZnO), linha de transmissão, conversores e atuação do controle. / The worlwide trend of growing electricity consumption requires new generation units to supply demand. In addition, there is concern in the diversification of the energy matrix, and energy sources are not always easily accessible to large consumption centers, which brings the problem of transportation of electric energy. Alternating Current (AC) systems have been used in power transmission for decades, and Direct Current (DC) transmission systems are now an advantageous option in both point-to-point transmission over long distances and across multiple terminals, integrating different sources of energy. Known High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems based on Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) have consolidated applications around the world, while for the emerging technology of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) converters, few studies show their network transient performance. The exposition of the extensive perimeter of the transmission lines to the geographic and climatological conditions motivates this research considering the incidence of atmospheric impulses, and that the major part of the studies available have evaluated electromagnetic transients caused by faults. In this context, a literature review on the research topic is presented, with the description of the main components of HVDC systems, the analysis of VSC-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC) systems, using twolevel converters, electromagnetic transients caused by the direct incidence of atmospheric discharges in both the AC network, and in the CC link. The analysis uses the commercial software PSCAD/EMTD for the simulation and modeling of ZnO arresters, transmission line, converters and control actuation.

A tendência mundial de crescimento do consumo de energia elétrica requer novas unidades de geração para suprimento de demanda. Além disso, há preocupação na diversificação da matriz energética, e as fontes de energia nem sempre são de fácil acesso aos grandes centros de consumo, o que traz a problemática do transporte de energia elétrica. Sistemas em Corrente Alternada (CA) têm sido empregados na transmissão de energia há décadas, e atualmente os sistemas de transmissão em Corrente Contínua (CC) mostram-se uma opção vantajosa tanto na transmissão ponto a ponto por longas distâncias, quanto para múltiplos terminais, integrando diferentes fontes geradoras de energia. Os conhecidos sistemas de transmissão CC em alta tensão baseados em conversores comutados pela rede têm aplicações consolidadas ao redor do mundo, enquanto que, para a emergente tecnologia dos conversores comutados por largura de pulso (PWM), poucos estudos mostram seu desempenho frente transitórios na rede. A exposição do extenso perímetro das linhas de transmissão às condições geográficas e climatológicas motiva esta pesquisa perante a incidência de impulsos atmosféricos, tendo em vista que a maior parte dos estudos têm avaliado transitórios eletromagnéticos ocasionados por faltas. Para tanto, uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema de pesquisa é apresentada, com a descrição dos principais componentes de sistemas HVDC, a análise de sistemas VSC-HVDC, utilizando conversores dois níveis, frente transitórios eletromagnéticos provocados pela incidência direta de descargas atmosféricas tanto na rede CA quanto no elo CC, utilizando o software comercial PSCAD/EMTD para a simulação e modelagem dos para-raios de Óxido de Zinco (ZnO), linha de transmissão, conversores e atuação do controle. / The worlwide trend of growing electricity consumption requires new generation units to supply demand. In addition, there is concern in the diversification of the energy matrix, and energy sources are not always easily accessible to large consumption centers, which brings the problem of transportation of electric energy. Alternating Current (AC) systems have been used in power transmission for decades, and Direct Current (DC) transmission systems are now an advantageous option in both point-to-point transmission over long distances and across multiple terminals, integrating different sources of energy. Known High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems based on Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) have consolidated applications around the world, while for the emerging technology of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) converters, few studies show their network transient performance. The exposition of the extensive perimeter of the transmission lines to the geographic and climatological conditions motivates this research considering the incidence of atmospheric impulses, and that the major part of the studies available have evaluated electromagnetic transients caused by faults. In this context, a literature review on the research topic is presented, with the description of the main components of HVDC systems, the analysis of VSC-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC) systems, using twolevel converters, electromagnetic transients caused by the direct incidence of atmospheric discharges in both the AC network, and in the CC link. The analysis uses the commercial software PSCAD/EMTD for the simulation and modeling of ZnO arresters, transmission line, converters and control actuation.

Sophisticated power electronic apparatus and their digital control systems are finding increasing applications in electric power systems at generation, transmission, distribution and utilization levels. It is essential to carry out rigorous performance evaluation of such apparatus before commissioning. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are becoming an attractive platform for accelerating computationally intensive applications. This thesis presents a FPGA-based real-time digital simulator for power electronic drives based on realistic device characteristics. A 3-level 12-pulse Voltage Source Converter (VSC) fed induction machine drive is implemented on the FPGA. The system components include the 3-level VSC, the induction machine, the direct field oriented controller, and the pulse width modulator. Both system-level and device-level IGBT models are utilized to implement the VSC. The VSC model is computed at a fixed time-step of 12:5ns allowing an accurate representation of the IGBT nonlinear switching characteristics. Altera Startix EP1S80 and EP3SL150F1152C2 FPGA boards utilized for the real-time simulation. All models were implemented in VHDL. The FPGA boards were interfaced to external DAC boards to display real-time results on the oscilloscope. The real-time results were validated using an off-line cosimulation set-up using the SABER and MATLAB/SIMULINK software. / Power Engineering and Power Electronics

<p>Utilization of power electronics based controllable systems (or devices) in transmission systems has opened new opportunities for the power industry to optimize utilization of the existing transmission systems, and at the same time to keep high system reliability and security.</p><p>As a member of these controllable systems, Voltage Source Converters-based High Voltage direct current (VSC-HVdc) systems have the ability to rapidly control the transmitted active power, and also to independently exchange reactive power with transmissions systems. Therefore, VSC-HVdcs with a suitable control scheme can offer an alternative means to enhance transient stability, to improve power oscillations damping, and to provide voltage support. An interesting application of this system is the analysis of a power system when a VSC-HVdc is connected in parallel with ac transmission lines.</p><p>This thesis presents the derivation of control strategies to damp power oscillations, to enhance the transient stability and to provide voltage support for a VSC-HVdc. The thesis also formulates a multichoice control strategy and its application when the VSC-HVdc is connected in a synchronous system.</p><p>The control strategy for enhancing transient stability is based on the theory of Control Lyapunov Function. The control strategy for increasing the damping is based on Linear Analysis. A very effective well known way to increase damping in the system is modulating the active power through the HVdc. However, besides the control of active power, the thesis explores an alternative way to mitigate power oscillations by controlling the reactive power. This condition might be very useful when the dc link in the VSC-HVdc system is out of service, but the converter stations are in operating conditions.</p><p>A simple model of VSC-HVdc is considered in order to test the control strategy. The model represents the VSC-HVdc as an element in the power system that provides adequate interaction with other systems elements. The model is intended for analysis of power flows and electromechanical transients. It is then sufficient to consider the power frequency components of voltages and currents represented by phasors that vary with time during transients. The model is valid for symmetrical conditions, i.e. positive sequence phasors are used for the representation of the electrical state.</p>

De nos jours, les systèmes de transport haute tension continue (HVDC) sont de<br />plus en plus considérés dans une transmission de puissance et les convertisseurs fonctionnant<br />en source de tension (VSC) peuvent offrir des degrés de liberté supplémentaires, d'un intérêt<br />particulier dans la conception d'une commande.<br />Dans notre étude, les lois de commande sont synthétisées en temps discret et en appliquant<br />le principe de linéarisation entrée-sortie. Elles ont principalement pour objectifs de stabiliser<br />la puissance qui transite, d'assurer la régulation de la tension du bus continu et d'obtenir des<br />facteurs de puissance qui soient, au niveau de la source et de la charge, les plus élevés possible.<br />Pour pouvoir exploiter en pratique les commandes, il est nécessaire de les associer avec des<br />observateurs. Du fait que géographiquement la source de puissance et la charge sont situées de<br />part et d'autre d'une ligne de transmission, l'enjeu ultime de l'observation est la possibilité de<br />décentraliser les lois de commande. Cette décentralisation implique d'émettre des hypothèses<br />sur le comportement de ces deux éléments. Celles-ci font l'objet d'une étude approfondie.<br />Ainsi, dans cette thèse, nous développons une méthodologie de commande qui est systématique<br />pour les systèmes HVDC intégrant des convertisseurs VSC.

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