Control of a synchronverter‐based soft open point in a distribution network

Abstract

The presence of distributed generation (DG) in a power distribution network can cause difficulties in managing the voltage, power flow and fault level as the network was designed for supplying passive loads. This study focuses on the control of a back-to-back (B2B) voltage source converter operated as a synchronverter and a soft open point (SOP) between adjacent feeders to mitigate the voltage fluctuation caused by DG and to increase the reliability of the supply without increasing the fault level. Better reliability is achieved as the B2B converter can continue to supply the loads when a loss of mains occurs on one side. The proposed control of the two DC–AC converters, which also needs to regulate the DC link voltage and adapts the synchronverter algorithm to the new application requirements, so that events will cause minimum disruption. Simulation shows that the B2B-synchronverter is capable of regulating the load voltage under normal mains connected condition, and also limiting the fault current and supplying the loads within its rating during islanding, providing seamless transition to the islanded mode.