Luc-André Gregoire
Publication date : Feb 2012
Paper File :
PES12_MMCSTATCOM.pdf
Authors
Jean Bélanger, Wei Li, Luc-André Gregoire, Abstract
Due to its unique topology, the Modular Multilevel STATCOM has many advantages but requires a sophisticated controller and puts higher requirements on simulation tools. To simulate the STATCOM in real-time is preferable because it enables hardware-in-the-loop test of the system in various scenarios including extreme fault conditions, which cannot be tested on a real STATCOM. This paper presents a model of full-bridge sub-module which enables fast offline and real-time simulation of the STATCOM. A control scheme with a new SM capacitor voltage balancing method is also proposed in this paper. The model and the controller are investigated for different operating conditions. Implemented in a real-time simulator, the model can be simulated in real time at a time step of 20 µs, 131 times faster than its reference model. As demonstrated by the results, the proposed control scheme is effective and robust.
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Publication date : Aug 2011
Paper File :
Control and Performance of a modular multilevel converter system.pdf
Authors
Jean Bélanger, Luc-André Gregoire, Wei Li, Abstract
The Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) system has many advantages over conventional voltage source converters and therefore can be used in dc power transmission, micro grid, or renewable energy applications. While MMC’s distinctive topology offers many new features, it also necessitates a sophisticated controller to deal with extra control requirements. This paper presents a control scheme with multiple control objectives required by MMC, i.e. active and reactive power control, dc voltage control, sub-module capacitor voltage control and balancing, circulating current eliminating, and zero-sequence current eliminating. The system is modeled in an electromagnetic transients program, RT-LAB, and its dynamic performance is evaluated by time-domain studies using a real-time simulator, eMEGAsim. The results show the multiple control objectives are fulfilled and the system has fast response to control command and system dynamics
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Publication date : Apr 2011
Paper File :
Validation of a 60-Level Modular Multilevel.pdf
Authors
Wei Li, Luc-André Gregoire, Laurence Snider, Jean Bélanger, Abstract
In this paper, full real-time digital simulation of a static modular multilevel converter (MMC) HVDC link interconnecting two AC networks is discussed. The converter has 60 cells per arm; each cell has two power switches with antiparallel diodes and one capacitor. The simulated model can be used to study the natural rectifying mode, which is very important in the energizing process of the converter, whether a ramping voltage or a charging resistance is used. The model also incorporates a simple controller to show the system behavior in different operating conditions. The converter model and the controller are simulated on two independent real-time simulators and connected though their respective IO and physical signal cables to perform Hardware-in-the-Loop testing. All capacitor voltages are supplied to the controller using digital to analog converters. Firing signals from the controller are sent using digital signals with opto-couplers, as would be the case with a real setup. By doing so, a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation is obtained. The main challenges of this setup are the very high number of IOs, which reaches over 730, considering both controller and converter, and the processing power required to simulate the 360 cells within a small time-step of 50 μs or less, as required for electromagnetic transient analysis. The simulation is achieved with a time-step of 20 μs using 10 INTEL 3.2-Ghz processor cores. Different faults are applied to determine their effects on the controller and the converter. In order to produce results that are as realistic as possible, a saturable transformer is used; the impact is particularly noticeable during faults and unbalanced load. The real-time digital simulator used is based on MATLAB, SIMULINK, SimPowerSystems and eMEGAsim.
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Publication date : Dec 2010
Paper File :
India Conference 2011_LAG_final.pdf
Authors
Luc-André Gregoire, Laurence A. Snider, Jean Bélanger, Girish Nanjundaiah, Abstract
This paper describes today's power system simulation challenge.
Simulator technology has evolved from physical/analogue simulators (HVDC simulators, TNA’s) for electromagnetic transients and protection and control studies, to hybrid TNA/Analogue/Digital simulators with the capability of studying electro-mechanical transient behaviour [1], to fully digital real-time simulators. Today’s global power system infrastructure is rapidly changing towards increasingly distributed generation/distribution
systems, and this transformation mandates expanded use of power electronic devices: HVDC, FACTS and interfacing devices for dc and variable-frequency power sources (photovoltaic, wind generation).
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Publication date : Jan 2011
Paper File :
IICPE2010-HIL_multilevel_rectifier.pdf
Authors
Luc-André Gregoire, Kamal Al-Haddad, Girish Nanjundaiah, Abstract
This paper proposes a validation methodology for implementing solutions to challenges involved with power
electronic converter design. Typically, the design process consists of first simulating the converter and then implementing it on hardware. Here, an intermediate step is added where the controller is connected to a real-time simulator before being connected to real hardware. This allows for virtual testing of
scenarios that cannot be conducted with physical hardware without risking damage to the hardware. This technique will be demonstrated by implementing a new method of control, the drifting PWM, for a multilevel packed U-cell (PUC) converter.
The drifting PWM allows for a slight variation in the switching state so that regulation of the auxiliary capacitor can be achieved. This method will be simulated offline and in real-time to demonstrate its long term reliability. Once fully functional, the controller is implemented on an FPGA board, from which it will control the real converter. Simulation results, as well as experimental results, are presented and compared. It is demonstrated that the HIL technique is a very effective tool for designing multilevel converter controllers.
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