ECE 5344 - Grid-Forming Inverters for HVDC, FACTS, and Renewables

Course Description

Principles of operation, modeling, and control of grid-forming inverters in power transmission and distribution systems. Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) for power flow control and reactive power compensation via series, shunt, phase angle, and hybrid compensators; high-voltage direct current (HVDC); integration of renewables for power generation.

Why take this course?

The use of power electronics technologies in the modern power system is increasing in several sectors such as transmission (HVDC and FACTS), generation (renewables), and control. This course discusses fundamental analysis, modeling, and control tools for such devices in the broader context of the power system.

Learning Objectives

• Review the principles of operation of grid-forming inverters in power transmission and distributed systems.
• Design a controller for a grid-forming inverter in renewables or FACTS systems based on the performance criteria.
• Build the dynamic model of a grid-connected inverter in HVDC, FACTS, and renewable applications.
• Analyze the steady-state and dynamic operation of voltage-sourced converters (VSC) under different system conditions.
• Analyze the DC bus voltage requirements for VSCs in HVDC, FACTS, and renewables applications.
• Design auxiliary controllers for inverters in power system applications
• Compare different FACTS devices for reactive power compensation (series, shunt, hybrid, and phase angle regulation).
• Compare different FACTS devices for power flow control (series, shunt, hybrid, and phase angle regulation).
• Design voltage and current controllers for line-commutated converter-based HVDC systems.