HVDC “Superline” for improved angular stability of AC-DC system

High Voltage DC Transmission (HVDC) is used for bulk power transfer over long distances. Manitoba Hydro’s power system involves collection of AC power in the north, where it is converted to DC and then transferred to southern Manitoba (approx. 900km) where it is converted back to AC to feed consumers and for export. Recently, inter-area oscillation problems have been reported in the system. Along with conventional methods of applying damping to the power system such as Power System Stabilizers (PSSs) on generators and Power Oscillation Damping (POD) controllers on Static Var Compensators (SVCs), Manitoba Hydro uses feedback signals, such as frequency from the converter stations, as control input to modulate power through HVDC links to help damp these oscillations. However, sometimes these feedback signals may lack the observability of critical modes which could result in sustained oscillations, power system transfer limitations and eventually in system collapse if left unmitigated. In this research, we will investigate local and remote signals rich in modal information to design the control system. Furthermore, we will develop a control strategy which is robust towards the loss or delay in these remote signals.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aniruddha Gole

Student:

Partner:

Manitoba Hydro

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: