Dissipativity-Based Multiport Stability Root-Cause Identification and Mitigation for Solid-State Transformers

Abstract

For solid-state transformers (SSTs) in high-power grid-connected applications, improperly designed control loops can excite strong inherent AC-DC port coupling, leading to low-frequency oscillation issues, especially under weak grid conditions. To address this problem, this article establishes a multiport admittance matrix for the SST, encompassing its AC dq axes and primary DC port, to characterize its inherent dynamics. Subsequently, a multiport dissipativity analysis is conducted to evaluate the robust stability of the SST. By leveraging the decomposition of passivity conditions into distinct self- and coupling-dissipativity indices, the specific root causes of instability are diagnosed. This framework reveals that a severe coupling-dissipativity failure, induced by the internal dynamics of the synchronization loop, is the dominant instability mechanism rather than a localized self-dissipativity issue. Guided by this diagnosis, a stabilizing controller featuring dynamics-free orthogonal signal reconstruction is designed to reshape the admittance characteristics of the SST. This enhancement specifically targets the identified coupling-dissipativity deficiencies, thereby resolving the root cause of the instability. Finally, the stability analysis and the effectiveness of the enhancement strategy are validated on a down-scaled SST prototype. Experimental results demonstrate that the criterion accurately predicts the coupling-induced oscillations and that the enhanced controller guarantees stable operation under challenging weak-grid conditions.