Deadbeat-based control for MMC-HVDC power systems

With the domination of modular multilevel converters (MMCs) interfaced power grids, especially for transmission of the wind generated energy, the control of such power electronic interfaced grids is of an utmost important for the proper operation and grid stability. This control is very complex due to multivariable intercoupling and plausible nonlinearity. To enhance the grid stability and reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the converter, the paper proposes development of an optimal voltage level-model predictive control (OVL-MPC) for a fast dynamic response, integrated with classical proportional–integral (PI) outer-loop control for robust steady-state performance. This control eliminates the problems of poor steady-state performance of MPC while achieving faster transient response in comparison to the classical proportional integral (PI) dual-loop control. The work proposes OVL-MPC for lower computational burden in comparison to switching state-based MPC, for the inner loop replacing the classical PI inner loop. With the inherent advantages of lower computational burden and superior transient performance, AC current deadbeat controller is used for the modulation in OVL-MPC. To improve the robustness of the control method, the Moore–Penrose pseudo-inversion is applied to address control parameter mismatches, while the Smith predictor compensates for time delays. The designed control algorithm is tested with two real-time simulation platforms, i.e., OPAL-RT and RTDS for thorough power system validation. • The combination of optimal voltage level-MPC along with AC deadbeat control. • OPAL-RT and RTDS are used to validate the application of the proposed controller. • The devised controller is tested in the digital twins of TenneT’s 2 GW Program.