Development of Real-Time Implementation of a Wind Power Generation System with Modular Multilevel Converters for Hardware in the Loop Simulation Using MATLAB/Simulink

Abstract

In this study, we propose a wind power generation system model for operating modular multilevel converter (MMC) in a hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) application. The application of the MMC is a system that connects wind power to a grid through high-voltage direct current (HVDC) in the form of back-to-back connected MMCs, whereas a HILS is a system used to test or develop hardware or a software algorithm with real time. A real-time operation model of the MMC is required to conduct a HILS experiment. Although some studies have introduced the HILS model of MMCs for grid connection using PSCAD/EMTDC, it is difficult to find a study in the literature on the model using Matlab/Simulink, which is widely used for power electronic simulation. Hence, in this paper, we propose a real-time implementation model employing a detailed equivalent model (DEM) using MATLAB/Simulink. The equivalent model of both wind power generation system and MMC are presented in this paper. In addition, we describe how to implement components such as a variable resistor that is not provided in the Simulink’s library. The feasibility of the proposed model is demonstrated with real-time operation of a wind power generation system.

Comparison of Different Design Alternatives for Hardware-in-the-Loop of Power Converters

“…However, as can be seen in ( 4), all switching states must be formulated (and they must be implemented in FPGAs, as will be explained later) to represent the correct behavior of the converter in all unexpected conditions. Both models' output voltage can be formulated as (5).…”

“…All the previous methods are based on codifying the equations of the converters (1) to (5) in different text languages and tools. The last analyzed alternative is to codify the converters' equations using a graphical language (G programming language) instead of a written language.…”

“…This paper will focus on FPGA implementations, as explained later. HIL models can be used to test different controllers to reduce the cost of debugging, avoid any damage to the real system, and reduce the overall test effort [4,5]. For numerous power electronic applications that operate with a switching frequency in the range of hundreds or even thousands of kilohertz, fast responding time from the HIL simulator is vital to model higher switching frequency converters or interact with them [6].…”

Evaluation of the Different Numerical Formats for HIL Models of Power Converters after the Adoption of VHDL-2008 by Xilinx

“…In order to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed floating-and fixed-point NF, the mean absolute and mean relative errors [35] with respect to a golden model are computed during the simulation according to: 5) where N denotes the total number of integration steps in the simulation, while S model and S golden represent the state variables from the floating-or fixed-point models and the golden model, respectively. The typical value corresponds to the state variable value in the stationary regime, i.e., 5 V for v C and 2 A for i L .…”

“…HIL allows the real-time emulation of the different parts of a system using digital hardware under non-invasive conditions [2,3]. HIL models reduce the cost of debugging, can avoid severe damages to real systems and finally reduce the overall test effort [4,5].…”