Design and implementation of a laboratory scale VSC controller - practical problems and solutions

Present day power networks have become very complex with integration of various kinds of loads and distributed generations such as wind power, mini hydro, dendro and solar. Hence, research activities in the area of control strategies on sophisticated operation of complex power systems are abundant. These studies require sound mathematical and theoretical analysis, advanced simulation packages and sophisticated test rigs. The simulation packages and carefully designed test rigs are important to verify the control strategies before implementing. Although there are number of simulation packages, available at affordable prices, high tech test rigs are very expensive. This paper discusses the design and implementation of a low voltage, converter controller for a voltage source converter that can be used in a test rig to inject commanded P, Q.