LVDC Bipolar Balance Control of I-M2C in Urban AC/DC Hybrid Distribution System

With the high proportional renewable energy integration and rapid increase in the DC loads, such as the electric vehicle and distributed energy storage, the DC distribution system becomes a prospective solution for the urban power grid enhancement for its high-efficiency and eco-friendly nature. In most DC distribution systems, power interfaces are applied to connect low-voltage DC (LVDC) distribution systems with multiple medium-voltage (MV) systems in order to improve the operating reliability and economy. Compared to other types of multiports power interfaces, the three-port-isolated modular multilevel converter (I-(MC)-C-2) has shown many advantages, including low cost, high power density, and low control complexity. However, the I-(MC)-C-2 cannot handle the power imbalance at the bipolar LVDC port like the other MMC-based three-port power interfaces, which limits the operating range and decreases the stability of the I-(MC)-C-2 in bipolar LVDC application. In order to solve the bipolar imbalance problems, a novel balance control method is proposed in this article. The proposed balance control method is based on symmetrical decomposition. By decoupling the MV power control and the LV bipolar power compensation control, the proposed method can eliminate the bipolar voltage deviation under different working conditions. The simulation results prove the validity and good control performance of the proposed method.

Automated summary

This article introduces the application of DC distribution system in enhancing urban power grid efficiency and environmental-friendliness. It also analyzes the limitations of the three-port-isolated modular multilevel converter (I-(MC)-C-2) in bipolar LVDC application. To solve the bipolar imbalance problem, a novel balance control method is proposed based on decoupling the MV power control and the LV bipolar power compensation control.