In the rapidly evolving landscape of power transmission, a groundbreaking study led by Milovan Majstorović from the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade is set to revolutionize the way we manage modular multilevel converters (MMCs) in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. This research, published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern power grids: ensuring stability and efficiency in the transmission of renewable energy, particularly wind power.
Majstorović’s work focuses on the intricate control mechanisms required for MMCs, which are increasingly vital for the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. These converters are essential for transmitting wind-generated energy over long distances, but their control is notoriously complex due to the interplay of multiple variables and potential nonlinearities. “The control of these systems is crucial for maintaining grid stability and reducing harmonic distortions,” Majstorović explains. “Our goal was to develop a control method that could handle these challenges more effectively than existing solutions.”
The proposed solution is an innovative control algorithm that combines optimal voltage level-model predictive control (OVL-MPC) with classical proportional-integral (PI) outer-loop control. This hybrid approach aims to achieve a faster dynamic response while maintaining robust steady-state performance. By integrating an AC current deadbeat controller for modulation, the algorithm reduces computational burden and enhances transient performance, making it a more efficient and reliable option for real-time applications.
One of the standout features of this research is the use of the Moore–Penrose pseudo-inversion to address control parameter mismatches, ensuring the system’s robustness. Additionally, the Smith predictor compensates for time delays, further improving the control method’s reliability. “These enhancements are critical for the practical implementation of our control algorithm in real-world power systems,” Majstorović notes.
To validate their findings, the researchers tested the control algorithm using two real-time simulation platforms: OPAL-RT and RTDS. These platforms provided thorough power system validation, demonstrating the algorithm’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The results are promising, suggesting that this new control method could significantly improve the stability and efficiency of HVDC systems, particularly those transmitting wind-generated energy.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, the need for efficient and reliable power transmission systems becomes increasingly important. Majstorović’s work offers a potential solution to some of the most significant challenges in this area, paving the way for more stable and efficient power grids.
The study, published in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, represents a significant step forward in the field of power electronics and control systems. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy future. The work of Majstorović and his team at the University of Belgrade is a testament to the power of innovative research in driving progress in the energy sector.
