The multiDC Project
The project “MULTI-DC: Innovative Methods and Optimal Operation of Multiple HVDC Connections and Grids” (multiDC) applied in 2016 for funding under the Innovation Fund Denmark framework of “Grand Solutions”. Due to the high number of HVDC connections in the Nordic region, this call pursues new and advanced control solutions to fully employ the benefits HVDC connection has to offer. The specific objective of multiDC project is to develop innovative methods for the optimal coordination of multiple HVDC lines and HVDC grids in systems with high shares of renewables. To achieve this highly ambitious result, multiDC teamed up with established researchers, technology providers, and end customers
Our focus
Dynamic Security
The increase of inverter-based generation is phasing out grid-connected generation units, which provide various system services, such as Short Circuit Capacity (SCC), frequency control and rotational energy. Moreover, the clustered renewable generation requires facilitation of huge power influx in a power system, which becomes increasingly challenging for TSOs to control. Due to high controllability and bulk power transmission capability, HVDC technology is a promising replacement to provide such services and help stabilizing the system. To ensure the feasibility of such transition, stability analysis needs to be conducted for low and zero inertia systems, and advanced converter control design should be employed.
Optimal operation
In the last decades, HVDC technology has become a common tool in the design of transmission grids. From a technical point of view, the full controllability of power converters gives the opportunity of supporting local AC networks by means of voltage control, frequency support and reactive power compensation. On the economic side, HVDC interconnectors facilitate the exchange of energy and ancillary services between countries. Thus, if HVDC and AC grids are operated in an optimal way, significant cost and energy savings can be achieved. The scope of this project is to benchmark current markets and to propose various path for their evolution in order to unleash the potential of HVDC lines.
Emergency Control
HVDC connections will play a key role in an efficient and secure operation of the future system, mainly due to their capability to bulk power transmission over long distances and for fast, flexible control. Today the operation of multi HVDC connections is not coordinated during disturbed system operation. This project’s primary goal is to enable HVDCs active participation in AC system frequency stability by developing advanced control actions. Moreover, these control actions should be carefully coordinated to avoid negative interaction with other stability types and operation factors in all interconnected systems. The aim is to use the current power system infrastructure, without implying large additional investment costs.
Implementation and testing
To analyse the North Sea Wind Power Hub offshore grid stability, and HVDC effective utilization in market operations and emergency control, an environment for testing must be established. This process is separated into two stages: online testing using powerful simulation tools, and hardware-in-the-loop implementation in state-of-art facilities across Denmark. The primary tool for online testing is DigSilent PowerFactory, used to develop Kriegers Flak interconnector, NSWPH, and detailed Nordic Test System models. Once our methods prove viable the implementation is taken to PowerLabDK Real-Time-Digital-Simulator, and, finally, reaches the transmission system operator’s SCADA control room.
Our Team
Jacob Østergaard
Spyros Chatzivasileiadis
Fitim Kryezi
Robert Eriksson
Thierry Van Cutsem
Jenny Josefsson
Mehrdad Ghandhari
Tilman Weckesser
Georgios Misyris
News
Ph.D. student defends Licentiate Thesis!
MultiDC member, PhD student of Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm (KTH) Danilo Obradovic successfully defended his Licentiate thesis! Danilo has shown big potential in improving frequency stability using an enhanced HVDC control. By synchronizing the control actions of several HVDC links, their droop based supplementary action relieves the work that primary frequency control (FCR-D)[…]
Eighth multiDC workshop
The eight multiDC workshop adapted to “new normal” and again held online! The focus of the meeting was the NSWPH and its influence on the power flows and frequency in the Nordic power system. The feedback from industry and various TSOs were positive and new analysis directions are identified! Apart from that, the discussion started[…]
Articles from Ingeniøren
We are proud to announce that multiDC work was mentioned in Ingeniøren journal! 1. “Optimizing the market-clearing algorithm can save the Nordic electricity grid millions every year“ The proposal by multiDC is to include piece-wise HVDC loss factor and AC lines loss factors. The outcome would decrease the flows between zones with zero price difference[…]
Cigre e-Session 2020
Great news – three multiDC papers got accepted in highly regarded Cigre Session 2020 conference on new and emerging technologies in electrical power systems! 1. “The North Sea Wind Power Hub: System Configurations, Grid Implementation, and Techno-economic Assessment” prepared by Misyris, T. Van Cutsem, J. . Moller, M. Dijokas, O. Renom Estragues, B. Bastin, S.[…]
multiDC workshop – online!
These challenging times due to the COVID-19 virus forced everyone to adapt, but we are happy to announce that the seventh multiDC workshop was organized – this time online! The workshop was organized into two sessions: a technical committee and a steering committee. During the technical committee, work packages 2-5 were addressed, where the EMT[…]
multiDC Demonstration Event on September 19, 2019 at DTU in Copenhagen, Denmark
Find below the demonstration material! Slides and videos: Jacob Østergaard (DTU) – Welcome to the Center for Electric Power and Energy – VideoFitim Kryezi (Energinet) – Presentation of the North Sea Wind Power Hub and the role of interconnections – Video – SlidesLena Kitzing (DTU) – Political visions meeting market and regulatory challenges for North Sea offshore hubs –[…]
Workshop at EnerginetDK
On 6. – 7. in March, multiDC had its fifth workshop towards “Controlling the power flows”. This time the event was hosted by Energinet in Fredericia, Denmark – headquarters of Energinet! During the main session, the discussion was focused on the North Sea Wind Power Hub operation in zero-inertia, the political context of the project,[…]
Looking for excellent, highly motivated, PhD students!
Looking for excellent, highly motivated, PhD students! We have opened a new PhD position on Data-Driven Security and Optimization of AC and HVDC Grids. Apply here! Deadline: Dec 15, 2018. [ Online Application ]
multiDC workshop hosted by ABB at the center of the world, when it comes to HVDC Transmission: Ludvika, Sweden!
Last week from 7. – 9. November, we had our second “multiDC – Controlling the power flows” workshop. This time the event was hosted by ABB in Ludvika, Sweden. We had great discussions with the engineers from ABB HVDC about operation challenges and control of near-zero inertia AC systems. Needless to say, particular focus was[…]
May 3-4, 2018: Exciting discussions last week at our third MultiDC meeting!
Looking at how to solve the challenges of the North Sea Wind Power Hub. Coordinated control of HVDC converters, zero inertia systems, and market integration of HVDC.Stay tuned! [www.multi-dc.eu | Check this out:North Sea Wind Power Hub]