International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2012)

Analysis and Implementation of Multi Pulse Converters for HVDC System

K.Srinivas
Assistant Professor, JNTUH College of Engineering, Nachupally, Kondagattu, Karimnagar, Andhrapradesh, India.
cnuiitm05@gmail.com Abstract It is well known that undesirable harmonic line currents may be generated during a transformer-rectifier combination. The rectification of AC power to DC power itself may in general produce undesirable current harmonics. These non-linear loads cause severe current harmonics that may not be tolerated by either a shutdown of the device or unacceptable powering of the devices. The great majority of power electronic equipment operates from an ac source but with an intermediate dc link. Thus, a significant opportunity exists to facilitate power electronics applications by using ac to dc rectifiers that produce low harmonic current in the ac source. Multi-pulse converters in general and non-isolated multi-pulse converters in particular can be applied to achieve clean power which is of major interest in higher power ratings. In general, by increasing the number of pulses in multi-pulse converters THD (total harmonic distortion) can be reduced and other associated performance parameters can be enhanced. The present work is an endeavour towards analysing the different multi-pulse AC to DC converters in solving the harmonic problem in a three-phase converter system. The effect of increasing the number of pulses on the performance of AC to DC converters is analyzed. For performance comparison the major factor considered is the total harmonic distortion (THD). Keywords Power Quality, Harmonics, Total Harmonics Distortion

systems (PVs), etc., battery energy storage systems (BESSs), in process technology such as electroplating, welding units, etc., battery charging for electric vehicles, and power supplies for telecommunication systems. Traditionally, acdc converters, which are also known as rectifiers, are developed using diodes and thyristors to provide uncontrolled and controlled unidirectional and bidirectional dc power. They have the problems of poor power quality in terms of injected current harmonics, resultant voltage distortion and poor power factor at input ac mains and slowly varying rippled dc output at load end, low efficiency, and large size of ac and dc filters. The present work is an endeavor towards analyzing the different multi-pulse AC to DC converters in solving the harmonic problem in a three-phase converter system. The effect of increasing the number of pulses on the performance of AC to DC converters is analyzed. For performance comparison the major factor considered is the total harmonic distortion (THD). The effect of load variations on multi-pulse AC to DC converters has been investigated.
II.

BASIC HVDC SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION Power electronic devices are non-linear loads that create harmonic distortion and can be susceptible to voltage dips if not adequately protected. The most common economically damaging power quality problem encountered involves the use of variable-speed drives. Variable-speed motor drives or inverters are highly susceptible to voltage dip disturbances and cause particular problems in industrial processes where loss of mechanical synchronism is an issue. THREE-PHASE acdc conversion of electric power is widely employed in adjustable-speeds drive (ASDs), uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), HVDC systems, and utility interfaces with non conventional energy sources such as solar photovoltaic 183

There are many different configurations of HVDC based on the cost and operational requirements. Five basic configurations are shown in Fig. 1.1.to Fig. 1.5 the back-to back interconnection has two converters on the same site and there is no transmission line. This type of connection is generally designed for low ratings and is more economical than the long distance transmission. The converters at both the ends are identical and can be operated either in rectification or inversion mode based on the control. The monopolar link has only one conductor and the return path is through the earth. Generally the use of ground as the return path is restricted to prevent the underground metallic equipment from being damaged.

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2012) The bipolar link is the most common configuration and has two conductors or poles. One of the conductors or pole is positive with respect to the other. The current from the rectifier flows through the positive pole and from the inverter flows through the negative pole. However, the return path is through the ground and hence the opposite currents cancel each other and the ground current is practically zero. In the parallel- connected three-terminal configuration, converters 1 and 2 operate as rectifiers and converter 3 operates as an inverter. However, by changing the firing angle control and the polarity of voltage, converters 1 and 2 operate as inverters and 3 as a rectifier. The series connection, although still unused, is an attractive proposition for small taps because of comparatively high cost of the full voltage parallel tapping alternative [1].
III. Fig. 1.2 Monopolar link

Fig. 1.1 Back-to-back interconnection

CONVERTER OPERATION

Fig. 1.3 Bipolar link

The six-pulse converter bridge shown in the fig.3.1 is used as the basic converter unit of HVDC transmission rectification where electric power flows from the ac side to the DC side and inversion where the power flow is vice versa. Thyristor valves conduct current on receiving a gate pulse in the forward biased mode. The thyristor has unidirectional current conduction control and can be turned off only if the current goes to zero in the reverse bias. This process is known as line commutation. Inadvertent turn-on of a thyristor valve may occur once its conducting current falls to zero when it is reverse biased and the gate pulse is removed. Too rapid an increase in the magnitude of the forward biased voltage will cause the thyristor to inadvertently turn on and conduct [1]. The design of the thyristor valve and converter bridge must ensure such a condition is avoided for useful inverter operation.

Fig. 1.4 Parallel 3-terminal

Fig. 3.1 HVDC operations ([1])

Fig. 1.5 Series connection

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IV.

REVIEW OF MULTI-PULSE CONVERTERS

A large number of publications have appeared in the field of multi-pulse converters, many giving new concepts and verifying their claims by simulations and experimental work. Paice [1] proposed maximizing the efficiency of a 12 pulse AC-DC converter based on a hexagonal autotransformer arrangement. Choi [2] in his paper has presented new autotransformer arrangements with reduced KVA capacities are presented for harmonic current reduction and to improve AC power quality of high current DC power supplies. Simulation results are given in the paper. Falcondes and Babri [3] has proposed a new isolated high power factor 12 KW power supply based on 18-pulse transformer arrangement .the topology used involves a simple control strategy .simulations and experimental results are given in paper. S.Kim Etal [4] has given an analysis and design of a passive and novel interconnection of a star/delta transformer approach to improve power factor and reduce harmonics generated by a three phase diode rectifier. Chen Etal [5] has proposed a new passive 28-step current shaper for three phase rectification .with a phase shifting transformer on the ac side, per phase input current is shaped into sinusoidal waveform. Tolbert [6] his work provides the cascade inverter for large automotive drives. Here back to back diode clamped converter is used, simulation and experimental results are given in paper. This chapter presented a review of available literature on power quality improvement pertaining to AC/DC converters. The next chapter presents a detailed study of multi-pulse converters.

Multi-pulse systems accomplishments namely,

result

in

two

major

1. Reduction of ac input line current harmonics. 2. Reduction of DC output voltage ripple. Reduction of ac input line current harmonics is important as regards the impact the converter has on the power system. Multi-pulse methods are characterized by the use of multiple converters or multiple semiconductor devices with a common load. Phase shifting transformers are an essential ingredient and provide the mechanism for cancellation of harmonic current pairs, e.g. the 5th and 7th harmonics or the 11th and 13th so on. Thus for harmonic current reduction the multipulse converters are fed from phase shifting transformers. The phase shift has to be appropriate. B. Zig-Zag Phase shifting transformer The Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer implements a three-phase transformer with a primary winding connected in a zigzag configuration and a configurable secondary winding. The model uses three single-phase, three- winding transformers. The primary winding connects the windings 1 and 2 of the single-phase transformers in a zigzag configuration. The secondary winding uses the windings 3 of the single phase transformers and they can be connected in one of the following ways: Y with accessible neutral Grounded Y Delta (D1), delta lagging Y by 30 degrees Delta (D11), delta leading Y by 30 degrees. If the secondary winding is connected in Y, the secondary phase voltages are leading or lagging the primary voltages by the Phi phase angle specified in the parameters of the block. If the secondary winding is connected in delta (D11), an additional phase shift of +30 degrees is added to the phase angle. If the secondary winding is connected in delta (D1), a phase shift of -30 degrees is added to the phase angle.
V.

A. Multi-Pulse methods The term multi-pulse method is not defined precisely. In principle, it could be imagined to be simply more than one pulse. However, by proper usage in the power electronics industry, it has come to mean converters operating in a three phase system providing more than six pulse of DC per cycle. Multi-pulse methods involve multiple converters connected so that the harmonics generated by one converter are cancelled by harmonics produced by other converters. By this means, certain harmonics related to number of converters are eliminated from the power source. In multipulse converters, it is assumed that the DC link uses a filter such that any ripple caused by the DC load does not significantly affect the DC current. 185

MAT LAB SIMULATION

A. Twenty-four pulse converter (un-controlled) The connection for 24-pulse converter and the corresponding connections are shown in fig. Two twelve pulse converters phase shifted by 15 degrees from each other, can provide a twenty four, obviously with much lower harmonics on ac and DC side. Its ac output voltage would have order harmonics i.e., 23rd, 25th, 47th , 49th harmonics with magnitudes of 1/23rd , 1/25th , 1/47th ,1/49th ,respectively, of the phase shift.

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2012) One approach is to provide 15 degrees phase shift windings on the two transformers of one of the two twelve pulse converters. Another approach is to provide phase shift windings for +7.5 degrees phase shift on the two transformers of one twelve pulse converter and -7.5 on the two transformers of the other two twelve pulse converters as shown in the fig. The latter is preferred because it requires transformers of the same design and leakage inductances. It is also necessary to shift the firing pulses of one twelve pulse converter by 15 degrees with respect to others. All four six-pulse converters can be connected on the DC side in parallel, i.e., twelve phase legs in parallel. Alternatively all four six-pulse converters can be connected in series for high voltages or two pair of twelve pulse series converters may be connected in parallel. Each six-pulse converters will have a separate transformer, two with wyeconnected secondaries and the other two with deltaconnected secondaries. Primaries of all four transformers can be connected in series as shown in Fig.. In order to avoid harmonic circulation current corresponding the twelve pulse order i.e., 11th, 13th, 23rd, 25th
i + A+ B+ C+ ABCc3 b3 B C + a3 A + i

Current Measurement2

A+ B+ C+ ABCc3 C b3 B a3 A +

Voltage Measurement
A+ B+ C+ ABCc3 C b3 a3

Series RLC Branch

A B +

Fig. 5.2 Uncontrolled 36 pulse converter

Scope

A A+ B+ C+ ABCc3 b3 a3 B C

B. Simulation of Controlled Multi-Pulse Converters

+ -

Continuous powergui

For the simulation of controlled multi pulse converters instead of the diode bridge we use the thyristor Bridge and the corresponding pulses are given. To reduce the space only 24 pulse controlled converter has been given, the rest will be implemented in Mat Lab/SIMULINK environment and the results are shown in Table I.

Fig. 5.1.Uncontrolled 24 pulse converter

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30
+ v + v + v alpha_deg AB BC CA Block pulses

0
i + -

Synchronized 6-Pulse Generator

g A+ B+ C+ ABCa3 A b3 c3 B C + + i -

Current Measurement1

Current Measurement

40
+ v + v alpha_deg AB BC CA Block pulses

Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer

Universal Bridge

+ g A+ B+ C+ ABCa3 b3 c3 + A B C v -

+ v -

Synchronized 6-Pulse Generator2 0

Series RLC Branch

+ v + v + v -

50
alpha_deg AB BC CA Block pulses

Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer1

Universal Bridge2

Scope

Fig. 5.4 Uncontrolled 36 pulse waveform of input current, output

g A+ B+ C+ ABCa3 A b3 c3 B C +

Synchronized 6-Pulse Generator1

voltage, output current

+ v + v + v -

60
alpha_deg AB BC CA Block pulses

Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer2

Universal Bridge1

Continuous powergui
g

Synchronized 6-Pulse Generator3

A+ B+ C+ ABC-

a3 b3 c3

+ A B C

+ v + v + v -

70

Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer4

alpha_deg AB BC CA Block pulses

Universal Bridge3

g A+ B+ C+ ABCa3 b3 c3 + A B C

Synchronized 6-Pulse Generator4

+ v + v + v -

80

Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer3

alpha_deg AB BC CA Block pulses

Universal Bridge4

Fig. 5.5 Uncontrolled 36 pulse THD for input current

g A+ B+ C+ ABCa3 A b3 c3 B C +

Synchronized 6-Pulse Generator5

Zigzag Phase-Shifting Transformer5

Universal Bridge5

Fig. 5.3.Controlled 24 pulse converter

Fig. 5.6 Uncontrolled 36 pulse THD for output voltage

187

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Fig. 5.10 Controlled 48 pulse Output waveform of input current, Fig. 5.7 Controlled 36 pulse waveform of input current, output voltage, output current output voltage, output current

Fig. 5.11 Controlled 48 pulse THD for input current Fig. 5.8 Controlled 36 pulse THD for input current

Fig.5.12 Controlled 36 pulse THD for output voltage Fig.5.9 Controlled 36 pulse THD for output voltage

The wave forms of input current, output voltage and current has been shown in Fig 5.4 to Fig.5.12 for multi pulse converter of controlled and uncontrolled. 188

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2012) The uncontrolled 36 pulse converter input current, output voltage and current shown in Fig. 5.4 the corresponding THD% has been show in Fig.5.5 and Fig.5.6 which is observed that the THD in input current is little high as compare to output voltage. For the same controlled converter 36 pulse as has been shown in Fig. 5.7, and corresponding THD shown in Fig. 5.8 and Fig. 5.9 the comparative THD in both controlled and uncontrolled shown in table I from this, the THD% is reduces for increasing number of pulses both in controlled and uncontrolled converters.
Table I. Comparison of THD% in uncontrolled and controlled converter No of Pulses THD% of Uncontrolled R- Load Input Output Current Voltage 30.82 26.48 9.90 8.24 1.87 0.26 0.21 7.25 6.18 0.36 0.16 0.14 THD% of Controlled R- Load Input Output Current Voltage 36.09 25.82 15.08 13.34 7.34 4.30 3.21 16.07 18.07 7.88 3.36 2.57

VII. REFERENCES
[1] D.A.Paice. Auto connected hexagon transformer for a 12 -pulse
converter. Patent number: 5148357. 1992.

[2] Choi dewan, enjeti, pitel autotransformer configurations to enhance

utility power quality of high power AC/DC rectifier systems.1996 IEEE.

[3] Babri Ivoand Jones, a new three phase low THD supply with High
frequency isolation and 60v/200A regulated DC supply. 2001. IEEE

[4] S.Kim, Enjeti,A new approach to improve Power Factor and reduce
Harmonics in a Three-Phase Diode Rectifier Type Utility InterfaceIEEE trans.on Industry appl,Vol.30,No.6,NOV/DEC 1994 .

[5] Chen and Hong, A new passive 28-step current shaper for threephase rectification.IEEE transactions on industrial electronics, vol.47, No.6, December 2000

[6] N.R.Zargari etal, A multilevel thyristor Rectifier with improved

power factor IEEE trans.on industry applications, vol.33.No.5, SEPT/OCT. 1997.

6 12 18 24 36 48

[7] D.A.Paice, Power Electronic Converter Harmonics- Multipulse

Methods for Clean Power. New York: IEEE Press, 1996..

[8] N.Mohan, TUdeland and W.Robbins, Power Electronics Converters,

Applications and Design, Second Edition, New York: John Wiley & sons, 1995

VI. CONCLUSIONS The various multi-pulse configurations, mainly nonisolated were simulated using the software SIMULIN/MATLAB and the results have been presented. The effect of load variation on different multi-pulse converters reveals that with RL, load because of inductance there is smoothing effect on current, therefore current THD decreases; whereas on RC load, the effect of capacitor is to reduce voltage ripple and gives a smooth DC output. The effect is similar for different multi-pulse converters. The main objective of the present work is to investigate the performance of controlled and un-controlled multipulse converters. These converters are studied in terms of harmonic spectrum of ac mains current, output voltage THD. It is concluded that in general with increase in number of pulses in multi-pulse case the performance parameters of these converters are remarkably improved.

K.Srinivas received the B.E. degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Chithanya Bharathi Institutue of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, in 2002, the M.Tech. Degree in power systems and Power Electronics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, in 2005, pursuing Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad College of Engineering Karimanagar. His fields of interest include power quality and power-electronics control in power systems.

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