On Stability Enhancement in AC/DC Power Systems through Multi-terminal HVDC Controllers

Due to the increasing share of renewable energy sources in modern power systems and electricity market deregulation, heavy inter-regional and cross-border power flows are becoming a commonplace in system operation. Moreover, large-scale integration of renewable energy sources is expected to pace up, therefore new solutions have to be developed to integrate these intermittent sources, which are also characterized by being distributed over large geographical areas, such as offshore wind farms. Multi-Terminal High Voltage Direct Current (MTDC) networks are expected to form a solution for the integration of renewable energy sources to the existing interconnected AC grid. The type of converters used in the MTDC networks is however a subject of debate, as both Line Commutated Converters (LCCs) and Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) can be used. Moreover, the coordinated control of the MTDC networks with the AC system poses a challenge to the system operators, as it requires the consideration of both AC and DC system dynamics. In response to these challenges, this thesis aims to discuss the following aspects of the MTDC networks: control of a hybrid MTDC with both LCCs and VSCs, as well as the utilization of an embedded VSC-MTDC for stability enhancement. The thesis also investigates the supply of passive AC systems using a hybrid MTDC network. In the investigation of an AC/DC power system with a hybrid MTDC network, first, the combined AC/DC system is modeled. Next, a Small Signal Stability Analysis (SSSA) of the system is conducted, based on which the Power Oscillation Damping (POD) controllers were designed to enhance stability in the connected AC systems. In the utilization of an embedded VSC-MTDC network for stability enhancement in the AC/DC system, the operating point adjustment strategy is investigated, which is implemented through the adjustment of setpoints for the active and reactive power controllers in the network converters. Finally, the design and placement of a Multi-Input Single Output (MISO) controller is investigated, where the control strategy is based on Modal Linear Quadratic Gaussian (MLQG) control using Wide Area Measurement Systems (WAMS) signals.QC 20180515