A novel VSC-HVDC link model for dynamic power system simulations

• This paper introduces a new RMS model of the VSC-HVDC link.
• The model is useful for assessing the steady-state and dynamic responses of large power systems with embedded back-to-back and point-to-point VSC-HVDC links.
• Each VSC is modelled as a phase-shifting transformer whose primary and secondary windings correspond to the AC and DC buses of the VSC.
• The VSC-HVDC dynamic model is fitted with independent controllers for the AC and DC circuits to represent the quite distinct dynamic performances of the two control circuits.

This paper introduces a new RMS model of the VSC-HVDC link. The model is useful for assessing the steady-state and dynamic responses of large power systems with embedded back-to-back and point-to-point VSC-HVDC links. The VSC-HVDC model comprises two voltage source converters (VSC) linked by a DC cable. Each VSC is modelled as an ideal phase-shifting transformer whose primary and secondary windings correspond, in a notional sense, to the AC and DC buses of the VSC. The magnitude and phase angle of the ideal phase-shifting transformer represent the amplitude modulation ratio and the phase shift that exists in a PWM converter to enable either generation or absorption of reactive power purely by electronic processing of the voltage and current waveforms within the VSC. The mathematical model is formulated in such a way that the back-to-back VSC-HVDC model is realized by simply setting the DC cable resistance to zero in the point-to-point VSC-HVDC model. The Newton–Raphson method is used to solve the nonlinear algebraic and discretised differential equations arising from the VSC-HVDC, synchronous generators and the power grid, in a unified frame-of-reference for efficient, iterative solutions at each time step. The dynamic response of the VSC-HVDC model is assessed thoroughly; it is validated against the response of a detailed EMT-type model using Simulink®. The solution of a relatively large power system shows the ability of the new dynamic model to carry out large-scale power system simulations with high efficiency.