Review on multi-level voltage source converter based HVDC technologies for grid connection of large offshore wind farms

Abstract

This paper focuses on reviewing grid connection of large offshore wind farms (OWFs) employing current state-ofthe-art voltage source converter based high voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) technologies. A brief review of the VSC-HVDC evolvement is given followed by an overview of the advantages of employing VSC-HVDC for grid connection of large OWFs located remote from shore. A detailed description of the topologies is given and simulation results are presented in order to illustrate some of the main features of the most popular multilevel VSC-HVDC topology.Based on the review it is found that there are currently three vendors of the VSC-HVDC. Furthermore, it is found that the VSC-HVDC is a promising technology for grid connection of remote located OWFs and is going to be the preferred choice for remote located OWF grid connection in e.g. the UK.

A review of control methods for providing frequency response in VSC-HVDC transmission systems

“…Furthermore, there are other advantages of HVDC,, particularly with respect to power system stability [15][16][17][18]:…”

Suppression scheme for the common-mode capacitor voltage fluctuations in modular multilevel converters

“…Amplitude of the second-frequency common-mode energy On the other hand, the energy oscillation of each capacitor can also be represent as 2 2 c ( m a x ) ( m i n ) ( a v g ) ( p p )…”

“…Compared with traditional power topologies, MMC has the advantages of high efficiency, low semiconductor stresses, small rate of rise in voltage, excellent waveform quality, and the capability of handling very high voltage (up to hundreds of kilo-volts). As such, MMC is regarded as the most attractive topology for high-voltage large-volume applications, and has already achieved great success in the field of HVDC power transmissions [2]. At the same time, MMC also has the potential for the application of high-voltage motor drives.…”

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electric power transmission systems

“…These higher level topologies have the following advantages: The three manufacturers of VSC HVDC (ABB, Alstom Grid and Siemens) have recently moved towards the multi-level converter topology, each different on a power electronic level, but operating in a similar manner towards the AC and DC grid side. These different implementations of VSC converters are described in more detail in respectively Jacobson (2010), Alstom Grid (2011) and Dorn (2008), and a review comparing them is provided in Glasdam (2012) and Ahmed (2011). In this chapter, only a short description of the different topologies and their schematics is given.…”