HVDC System Control:
2) Significance of Current Margin in HVDC Systems
The current margin refers to the additional current capacity beyond the normal operating current
of a power converter, often expressed as a percentage of the rated current. In the context of HVDC
systems and converter operations, the current margin is an important parameter that helps ensure
the reliable and safe operation of the system under varying load conditions, fault situations, and
control adjustments. Here is the significance of the current margin:
1. Protection Against Overload Conditions
System Stability: HVDC systems often operate under varying load conditions, and power
flow can change depending on the demand from the connected AC grid. A current margin
ensures that the converter can handle brief increases in load or transient conditions
without overloading the equipment. It provides a buffer for transient spikes that may
occur due to system disturbances, ensuring the system does not exceed its current ratings
during such events.
Preventing Damage to Equipment: The converter stations, transformers, and other
components in an HVDC system are rated for certain maximum currents. A current margin
reduces the likelihood of these components being exposed to conditions that could lead to
overheating, insulation breakdown, or failure due to excessive current.
2. Ability to Handle Fault Conditions
Fault Tolerance: During faults, such as short circuits or voltage dips in the AC or DC
network, the converter stations can experience significant changes in current demand. The
current margin helps the converter continue to function under fault conditions by allowing
it to handle temporary increases in current without tripping or damaging the system.
Dynamic Response to Faults: The ability to tolerate fault currents and remain operational
during fault recovery is crucial for maintaining system reliability. A larger current margin
allows for a more robust system response, avoiding unnecessary disconnections or
operational interruptions during short-term disturbances.
3. Ensuring Proper Control and Modulation
Converter Control: Modern HVDC systems employ complex current control schemes (such
as PI controllers or model predictive control). A current margin allows for sufficient
flexibility in the control system, ensuring that the system can modulate the output current
effectively even under varying conditions. This prevents over-correction or instability in the
system's response to control signals.
Preventing Converter Saturation: In an HVDC converter, saturation of the current control
loop can occur when the control signal exceeds the capacity of the system. Having a margin
ensures that the converter doesn't approach its maximum rated current, allowing room for
regulation and smooth operation under dynamic conditions.
4. Facilitating System Expansion and Flexibility
Future Load Increase: A current margin can also account for potential future load
increases. If the current capacity is near its maximum, any system expansion (such as
increased power demand or connection of new circuits) might lead to operational issues. A
margin provides the flexibility to accommodate these future requirements without having
to immediately upgrade the system.
Grid Integration Flexibility: HVDC systems often interconnect power grids with different
load profiles or fluctuating power sources (such as renewable energy). The current margin
allows for flexible integration of power from varying sources, without overstressing the
converter or creating operational conflicts between the grid and the converter.
5. Optimizing System Efficiency
Improved Efficiency under Variable Conditions: HVDC converters and systems are designed
to operate most efficiently within a certain range of current and voltage. The current
margin allows the system to operate close to its optimal performance point even during
fluctuating load conditions, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the power
transmission.
Minimizing Losses: By ensuring that the converter station is not operating at its absolute
maximum current, the current margin helps reduce unnecessary losses and ensures that
the system does not overheat or suffer from inefficiency during transient conditions.
6. Preventing Operational Instability
Overcurrent Protection: The current margin acts as a safety feature to prevent the system
from experiencing overcurrent conditions, which could lead to damage to components
such as thyristors, transformers, and reactors. It provides a buffer so that the control
system has room to adjust in case of sudden voltage drops or spikes, ensuring that the
system does not experience excessive current fluctuations.
Voltage Regulation: The ability of the HVDC system to maintain stable output voltage is
linked to the current margin. Without a sufficient current margin, voltage regulation might
become erratic, especially under heavy load or system disturbances. A proper current
margin ensures smooth operation of the voltage control mechanisms, improving the
overall system stability.
7. Impact on the Operational Lifespan
Long-Term Durability: Continuous operation at or near the rated current can lead to
increased wear and tear on the equipment, reducing its lifespan. By maintaining a current
margin, the system avoids excessive stress on components, which helps in extending the
operational life of the system.
Reduced Maintenance Needs: With a sufficient current margin, the HVDC system can
operate more smoothly, which means fewer breakdowns, better reliability, and lower
maintenance costs over time. Regular overloading can cause premature wear on
equipment, leading to more frequent maintenance or failure.
3) Control Implementation in HVDC Systems
The control of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) systems is critical for their safe, efficient, and
stable operation. It ensures that the power flow between the AC and DC networks is controlled
precisely, and it also ensures the regulation of key parameters like voltage, current, and power
flow.
HVDC control involves various strategies, depending on whether the system is functioning in
rectifier (AC to DC conversion) or inverter (DC to AC conversion) mode. The control implementation
is based on the feedback loops that adjust the operating parameters to maintain system stability
and achieve desired performance.
The following are key aspects of control implementation in HVDC systems:
1. Types of Control Strategies
1. Voltage Source Converter (VSC) Control
VSC-HVDC systems are based on Voltage Source Converters (VSC), and the control strategy
for VSC involves controlling the voltage magnitude and phase of the converter output. This
allows for independent control of both active power and reactive power. VSCs can operate
in grid-forming mode and grid-following mode, providing flexible operation, especially for
integrating renewable energy sources.
2. Line Commutated Converter (LCC) Control
The more common LCC-HVDC systems rely on the Line Commutated Converter (LCC), which
uses thyristors as switching devices. The control strategy for LCC-based HVDC systems is
typically based on controlling the DC voltage, current, or power. This involves more
traditional methods and relies heavily on the AC system's characteristics for commutation.
2. Key Control Objectives
1. Power Flow Control
The main objective of HVDC control is to regulate the active power (real power) and
reactive power (imaginary power) that flows between the AC and DC systems. This can be
achieved by adjusting:
o DC voltage (for active power control)
o DC current (for controlling power flow)
o AC voltage and phase angle (for reactive power control)
2. Voltage Regulation
Maintaining a stable and controlled DC voltage is critical for HVDC operation. The system
needs to regulate DC voltage at the converter terminals to ensure a stable voltage for
power transmission and to manage the voltage drop across the transmission line.
3. Current Control
The DC current must be controlled to avoid overloading the converter stations, and this
current also dictates the power flow. Current control is implemented to avoid exceeding
the rated current capacity of the converter.
4. Commutation Failure Detection
In LCC-HVDC, commutation failures can occur due to transient disturbances, causing a loss
of current flow in the converter. The control system detects these failures and takes
corrective action to prevent system disruption.
3. Control Strategies for Rectifier and Inverter
Rectifier Control (AC to DC Conversion):
o The rectifier's primary objective is to regulate the DC voltage. To do so, the rectifier
adjusts the AC voltage and phase by controlling the firing angle of the thyristors.
o Voltage Control Mode: The rectifier controls the DC voltage by adjusting the firing
angle (delay in triggering the thyristors). The output DC voltage is directly
proportional to the firing angle.
o Constant Current Control: This is used to control the power flow, and the rectifier
adjusts the firing angle to maintain a constant DC current.
Inverter Control (DC to AC Conversion):
o The inverter's primary task is to regulate the DC to AC conversion process,
maintaining the power flow in the AC grid.
o Constant Power Control: In inverter mode, the control system focuses on
maintaining a constant output power by adjusting the AC voltage magnitude and
phase angle, which also controls the power factor.
o Voltage and Frequency Control: The inverter may be used to regulate the output
voltage and frequency, especially in systems with VSC-HVDC, where the inverter
can independently control both the active and reactive power.
4. Types of Control in HVDC
1. Current Control (for Active Power Control)
o In this method, the DC current is directly controlled by adjusting the firing angle of
the converter's thyristors.
o In Rectifier Mode: The rectifier adjusts its output current by controlling the firing
angle.
o In Inverter Mode: The inverter controls the output current to match the required
value by regulating the AC voltage.
2. Voltage Control (for DC Voltage Regulation)
o This method controls the DC voltage at the converter output by adjusting the firing
angle.
o The system regulates the voltage at the receiving end of the HVDC line, ensuring
the stability of the DC link.
o Constant Voltage Control: In this mode, the system maintains a constant voltage
irrespective of the load changes.
3. Power Control (for Active and Reactive Power Control)
o The control system adjusts both active and reactive power using advanced
algorithms and modulation techniques.
o Reactive Power Control: HVDC systems using VSC converters are capable of
controlling reactive power independently of active power. This is critical for
maintaining the voltage profile in the AC grid.
4. Commutation Control (in LCC-HVDC systems)
o In LCC-HVDC, commutation failure can occur when the voltage from the AC system
is too low or when faults occur. Control systems detect such situations and use
strategies like forced commutation or dynamic voltage support to avoid failure.
5. Key Control Methods and Techniques
1. Firing Angle Control
o In LCC systems, the firing angle is a key control parameter. The firing angle
determines the timing of the thyristor trigger and directly affects the output
voltage and current. The system adjusts the firing angle to control both power flow
and voltage.
2. Vector Control or Direct Torque Control (DTC)
o Used in VSC-HVDC systems, vector control and DTC enable independent control of
active and reactive power, which provides greater flexibility in managing grid
integration and load variations.
3. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
o In VSC-HVDC systems, PWM is used for voltage regulation and to control the power
transfer efficiently. PWM involves adjusting the width of the voltage pulses to
maintain a desired AC voltage waveform and control power flow.
4. Model Predictive Control (MPC)
o This advanced control strategy involves predicting future system states using a
mathematical model. MPC optimizes control actions for power flow, voltage
regulation, and fault mitigation in real-time.
6. Advanced Control Techniques
Load-Frequency Control (LFC): In the HVDC system, the control can be designed to adjust
the DC voltage in response to AC grid frequency variations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These technologies are being
explored to optimize HVDC system control, detect faults, and enhance real-time decision-
making.
Adaptive Control: The control system adapts to varying load conditions and faults to
ensure system stability and reduce the risk of overloading.
7. Implementation of Control in Real Systems
Communication Systems: HVDC control systems require fast and reliable communication
between the converter stations for coordination. Modern HVDC systems use fiber-optic
communication and SCADA systems to provide real-time data exchange between the AC
and DC sides of the converter.
Control Software: Control systems are implemented using sophisticated software
algorithms running on digital control platforms like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
or Microcontrollers. These platforms continuously adjust the converter's parameters,
including firing angles, voltage set points, and current limits, to meet the desired
performance.
