Enabling Next Generation Direct Current (DC) Power Networks

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Large centralized non-renewable power-generating plants are being displaced by many smaller dispersed renewable-based power-generating sources in the drive towards realizing a more sustainable and efficient electric power system. To facilitate the large-scale integration of these renewable energy resources, e.g. wind and solar, the prospect of direct current (DC) power networks is gaining traction due to the superior technical benefits they offer over alternating current (AC) networks. In particular, high-voltage dc (HVDC) transmission is widely considered a key backbone technology for future DC networks.***The development of DC networks faces significant challenges as their design and operation differ greatly from conventional AC power systems. The proposed research program focuses on addressing the core challenges hindering the widespread deployment of future DC power networks, which will comprise meshed HVDC grids and mixed (i.e. hybrid) AC/DC systems. Under this research plan, the short-term objectives of this proposal are to:***1. Develop new modular power electronic converter systems that enable flexible control of DC and mixed AC/DC power networks.***2. Propose and validate power flow control and fault protection strategies for meshed HVDC grids.***3. Develop a unified modeling framework that enables systematic stability and fault analyses of modular multilevel converter based topologies.***Modular and scalable converter systems are essential to realizing cost-effective DC and mixed AC/DC networks. Building on my doctoral work, new modular converter structures will be developed that eliminate redundant energy conversion stages, yielding efficiency and cost improvements vital for practical DC power systems.***Control of DC line power flows and rapid interruption of DC fault currents are two long-standing obstacles inhibiting construction of meshed HVDC grids. By leveraging new modular converter technologies that provide these critical functions, viable strategies for power flow management and fault handling of meshed HVDC grids will be devised and validated.***The analysis of modular multilevel converter based topologies poses a major modeling challenge. State space generalized averaging techniques will be deployed to resolve this challenge, providing a unified mathematical modeling framework that enables systematic analysis of converter stability issues and fault behaviour within DC networks.***Validation of the above work will be performed using industry standard digital time-domain simulation packages and numerical software tools. The research program will train highly qualified personnel to solve fundamental challenges of future power electronic enabled DC power networks. This work allows Canada to help shape the evolution of next generation DC power systems, an important and timely benefit given that HVDC projects are currently underway in multiple provinces. **