The Back-to-Back HVDC Modular Multilevel
Converter for Passive Networks – Simulation Model
Tony Endré Slettbakk – [Link]@[Link] - CERN
PURPOSE OF THE MODEL
The model was developed through the work of the bachelor’s thesis [1] conducted at CERN
in 2018, as part of the technical student program together with the Norwegian University of
Science and Technology (NTNU). The thesis is titled “Development of a Power Quality
Conditioning System for Particle Accelerators”. The model is used to prove the feasibility of
the back-to-back HVDC converter for transient voltage dip mitigation, using the modular
multilevel topology. The voltage dips are mitigated using internal energy stored in the
submodule capacitors, together with extracting maximum allowed current from the grid. The
potential for such a system is large, as today’s particle accelerators experience issued with
transient voltage dips. Protection against this is of importance for future particle accelerators
of even larger dimensions.
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The model was developed in the MATLAB & SIMULINK environment, using the SimPower
electrical systems. The development process started from scratch, with only basic personal
experience in power electronics and simulation. Estimated time to gain knowledge of the
topology and control system is around 300 hours. Time spend on the simulation model in
building, refinement and validation is estimated to over 200 hours.
Basic knowledge of modular multilevel converters is based on the course presented in [2],
while more advanced knowledge was obtained from various international publications
presented in IEEE Explorer, and through technical brochures from Cigré, especially [3].
The modelling technique for this simulation is based on the example model of IREQ Quebec
[4], and other various examples from Mathworks inc, available online. The simulation model
was developed with its control system based on many separate publications and guidelines.
USER GUIDE
THE MODEL
The simulation model comes in two files. The first is a Matlab code ‘.m’-file, initializing most
of the parameters used for simulation, used for easy access for modifications. The other file
is the Simulink model ‘.slx’ file, containing the complete model. Before simulation can start,
the initialization file must be ran.
The model is the back-to-back HVDC modular multilevel converter supplying a passive
network with power. For the initial settings, the MMC rectifier and inverter is identical, and is
of 51 levels. Connection voltage is 66 kV. DC voltage is 135 kV at a steady state modulation
index of ~0.8. Rating of the converter is 220 MVA.
The control system comes in two variants. The default one is the synchronous reference
frame (SRF), used for the thesis report. The dual synchronous reference frame (DSRF) is
included as a variant for both rectifier and inverter control, and can be selected manually for
the simulation if needed.
Included in the control system is the circulating current suppression controller (CCSC),
operating in dq0 frame. A zero-sequence suppression controller is also included, operating
with proportional-resonant (PR) controller. This is used for simulation cases where the
connection transformers does not isolate the zero sequence currents from flowing. (wye-wye
normally).
The model employs the aggregated modelling strategy for modular multilevel converter,
which has the goal of increasing the computational efficiency of the model, while keeping the
necessary dynamics and details. For the MMC, every submodule capacitors of one arm is
modelled as a common virtual capacitor, which in physical terms means that the model
assumes a perfect capacitor voltage balancing. This is only a physical property addressed in
practical design, and does not affect the results of the simulation.
The ideology of the model is to be interactive, with ease of changing parameters. Based on
this, the model can be edited with the script to simulate any levels of the MMC, presented by
‘n’ and ‘n2’ in the script, so that rectifier and inverter can operate with different amount of
levels as well. The parameters that are not available in the .m-file, is usually accessible on
the front-panel of the simulation model (overview-page). This is mostly the sequencing of
events occurring in the model, such as control systems being enabled, load switching, etc.
STEADY STATE AND START-UP
The demonstration (default settings) of the model is set to simulate start-up and charging of
the converter. This is initiated through several steps from controlling breakers to enabling
control systems and setting control references. It is possible to start from steady state by
setting the initial submodule capacitor voltages, and remove start-up procedures.
VOLTAGE DIP MITIGATION AND ENERGY STORAGE VALIDATION
The converter is initially dimensioned with a total energy of 22.9 MJ, resulting in an energy of
104 kJ/MVA of the back-to-back rating, or 52 kJ/MVA in each of the rectifier and inverter.
The submodule energy is dimensioned to 38.2 kJ. This is sufficient to mitigate a symmetrical
voltage dip of three phases, -50% magnitude and duration of 75ms or any equivalent, for
example a unsymmetrical single-phase dip of -75% and duration of 150ms.
Voltage dips are simulated in the AC network source, forcing a lower voltage magnitude for a
determined duration and returning to normal source operation when commanded. Both
symmetrical and unsymmetrical voltage dips can be simulated.
FAULT SCENARIOS
Several fault scenarios beyond voltage dips can be simulated in this model. Of this is the:
DC bus pole-pole fault
DC bus pole-ground fault
Load network short circuit
AC transmission network short circuit
Phase to pole short circuit between AC and DC side
These scenarios can be triggered trough the “three-phase fault”-block in Simulink, or through
breakers closing and opening at a chosen time, and is not included by default in the model.
Faults such as short circuit in the individual module, as well as flashover fault (between two
converter arms) cannot be simulated in this model, as it employs the aggregated modelling
strategy where only the whole converter arm is available.
FINAL WORDS
This simulation model is a result of many publications and references, given in the reference
list. Many of these references has acted as a general inspiration for the technological
knowledge of MMC’s, and their control systems.
REFERENCES
[1] T. E. Slettbakk. “Development of a Power Quality Conditioning System for Particle
Accelerators”. Norwegian University of Science and Technology & CERN, 2019.
[2] Georgia Tech, M. Saeedifard. “Multilevel Converters for Medium/High-
Power Applications”, 2018. [Online course]. Available: [Link]
course/gt-multilevel-converters-for-mediumhigh-power-applications.
[3] Cigré working group B4.57. “Guide for the Development of Models for HVDC Con-
verters in a HVDC Grid”. Technical Brochure 604, 2014.
[4] P. Giroux. “SimPowerSystems Model of a 1000-MW HVDC-MMC Interconnection.”, 2015.
[Online]. Available: [Link]
impowersystems-model-of-a-1000-mw-hvdc-mmc-interconnection
[5] M. Saeedifard and R. Iravani. “Dynamic Performance of a Modular Multilevel Back-
to-Back HVDC System”. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 2010.
[6] C. Du, M. H. J. Bollen, and E. Agneholm. “A New Control Strategy of a VSC –
HVDC System for High-Quality Supply of Industrial Plants”. IEEE Transactions on
Power Delivery, 22(4):2386–2394, 2007.
[7] R.Z. Chai et al. “Control Strategies of MMC-HVDC Connected to Passive Networks”. IEEE
International Conference “TENCON”, 2013.
[8] N. Geddada, A. Ukil, and Y. M. Yeap. “Circulating Current Controller in dq Ref-
erence Frame for MMC Based HVDC System”. In IECON 2016 - 42nd Annual
Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, pages 3288–3293, 2016.
[9] J. Jia, G. Yang, and A. Nielsen. “Fault Analysis Method Considering Dual-Sequence
Current Control of VSCs under Unbalanced Faults”. Energies, 11(7), 2018.
[10] A. Timofejevs et al. “Control of Transformerless MMC-HVDC During Asymmetric
Grid Faults”. In IECON 2013 - 39th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial
Electronics Society, pages 2016–2021, 2013.
[11] Hydro-Québec. “SimPowerSystem for Use with Simulink”. TransÉnergieTechnologies
Inc., 2003.
[12] K. Sharifabadi et al. “Design, Control, and Application of Modular Multilevel Con-
verters for HVDC Transmission Systems”. John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2016.