The influence of VSC-HVDC reactive power control mode on AC power system stability

Abstract

Voltage source converter-based high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) has the advantage of fast and independent controllability on active and reactive power. This paper focuses on effects of commonly proposed reactive power control modes, constant reactive power control and AC voltage margin control. Based on the mathematical model of single machine infinity equivalent system with embedded VSC-HVDC, the influence of VSC-HVDC with different reactive power control strategies on transient stability and dynamic stability of the AC system is studied. Then case studies were conducted with a realistic model of grid. The dynamic responses of AC/DC systems for different VSC-HVDC reactive power control modes were compared in detail. It is shown that compared to constant reactive power control, AC voltage margin control can provide voltage support to enhance the transient angle stability of an AC system. However, the fluctuant reactive power injected into a weak AC system may adversely affect power system oscillation damping for VSC-HVDC with AC voltage margin control, if the parameters of the controller have not been optimized to suppress the low-frequency oscillation. The results of this paper can provide certain reference for the decision of an appropriate VSC-HVDC reactive power control mode in practice.