Tests on the POD-P controller of INELFE Spain-France VSC-HVDC interconnector

Abstract

INELFE interconnector consists of a 2x1000 MW high voltage direct current system based on voltage source converters (VSC-HVDC) interconnecting France and Spain. INELFE VSC-HVDC link is embedded into the high voltage alternating current (HVAC) system. Electromechanical oscillations, also known as power oscillations, are a major concern worldwide. INELFE VSC-HVDC link has specific controllers to damp power oscillations by modulating active (P)- and reactive (Q)-power injections of the VSC converters (POD-P and POD-Q controllers, respectively). The Spanish and French Transmission System Operators (TSOs) carried out a join task force to - Increase the gain of POD-P controller of INELFE VSC-HVDC link. - Make it possible to use the POD-P controller together with angle difference control (ADC) of INELFE VSC-HVDC interconnector. The objective of these modifications is to improve the effectiveness of POD-P controller and, therefore, to increase its contribution to the damping of inter-area oscillations in the Continental Europe (CE) power system. Such changes require (a) extensive simulation studies and (b) extensive tests in different operation modes, in order to ensure the correct behavior of the system. This paper presents simulation studies and field tests on the POD-P controller of INELFE VSC-HVDC interconnector in different modes of operation.