On the robust stability analysis of VSC-HVDC systems

Abstract: This thesis focuses on small signal stability analysis of VSC-HVDC systems, emphasizing the system stability robustness with regard to the connected AC-grid and the distributed parameter DC-grid model respectively. In addition, for strong AC-grid connected systems, analytical eigenvalue expressions are provided to investigate the impact of physical or control parameters on the system stability for both two-terminal and multi-terminal VSC-HVDC systems.

The VSC-HVDC system with a distributed parameter DC-cable model can be described by two cascaded blocks. The first block is a transfer function that will be different, due to which input and output variables that are considered. The second block is a feedback loop, where the forward path is a rational function and the return path is a dissipative infinite dimensional function, that remains the same in all cases. The stability is then analyzed using the Nyquist criterion in a straight forward manner. Examples with different operating points P20 and different SCRs of the connected AC-grids have been studied, showing that the VSC-HVDC system with a single Pi-section cable model is sufficient to evaluate system stability, independently of the DC-cable length and impedance density.

Based on the mixed small gain and passivity theorem, this thesis provides a theoretical method to evaluate a sufficient stability condition for a two terminal VSC-HVDC system with respect to the connected AC-grid. The result is that, for the frequency band where the converter admittance matrix is not passive, the negative closed loop system is stable if the loop gain is strictly less than one. On the basis of such a theorem, the sufficient stability conditions are provided, showing that at the DC-voltage controlled converter side, the system robustness can be increased by designing iref = Pref/E0 instead of iref = Pref/E. In addition, the active power controlled converter can be designed to have passive converter admittance for all frequencies and thus the system is stable under all kinds of connected AC-grid.