Analysis and Performance Enhancement of Vector-Controlled VSC in HVDC Links Connected to Very Weak Grids

Voltage source converter (VSC)-based high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems have been employed widely in recent years. However, connecting a VSC-HVDC link to a very weak grid (a high-impedance grid) is challenging. A vector-controlled VSC is incapable of injecting/absorbing its maximum theoretical active power in such grids. A simple yet effective control system for a standard vector-controlled VSC in a very weak grid condition has not been reported in the literature. This paper, benefiting from a comprehensive small-signal model, presents a detailed analysis of the VSC dynamics and shows how the assumptions made for designing VSC regulators in strong grids are no longer valid in very weak grids. The paper then proposes and compares two straightforward solutions: retuning the control parameters and using an artificial bus for converter-grid synchronization. Both methods enable the VSC to operate at the maximum theoretical active power at a very weak grid condition (i.e., at unity short-circuit ratio) by minimal modification in the widely accepted vector control method. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. The analytical results are verified by detailed nonlinear time-domain simulation results.