Continuous modeling of open-loop control based negative sequence current control of modular multilevel converters for HVDC transmission

Negative sequence currents are obtained during ac-side asymmetrical faults of converters in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. Consequently, second order harmonics in the dc-side voltage and current, unbalanced ac-side currents, and power oscillations can be observed. This paper presents a negative sequence current control (NSCC) scheme that eliminates second order harmonic ripples in the voltage and current of the dc-side during unbalanced grid conditions. Controllers for this purpose are investigated using a continuous model of the modular multilevel converter (M2C). The proposed scheme utilizes an open-loop controller for lower level control of the M2C. The continuous model used also has the capability to model blocking and deblocking events which may be used during protective actions. Simulation results reveal that the proposed NSCC scheme is effective in suppressing dc-side voltage and current ripples. Moreover, it keeps the ac-side phase currents balanced during asymmetrical fault conditions.