Large-scale hybrid real time simulation modeling and benchmark for nelson river multi-infeed HVdc system

Abstract

Nelson River Bipole I/II Line Commutated Converter (LCC) HVdc system has been in operation for more than 40 years and carries about 70% of total Manitoba Hydro power. The recent addition of Bipole III has formed a multi-infeed HVdc system with tightly coupled converter stations at both ends. Due to the complexity of the three Bipoles in a multi-infeed system, a large-scale hybrid real time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation model was developed with a combination of software models in Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) for Bipole I/II and the hardware replicas for Bipole III controls to support Bipole III commissioning and the future three-bipole planning, operation and maintenance efforts. In the paper, a RTDS modeling approach of Bipole I/II AC/DC system is introduced and discussed. This modeling approach includes the strategic design to fully utilize the library components in the page modules for AC/DC controls and the modeling structure of dividing a large HVdc system into many standalone modular systems. The paper also describes the use of a large-scale hybrid simulation model during on-site commissioning of Bipole III system. Such engineering practice has significantly reduced the technical risks, financial cost and secured the success of the Bipole III commissioning.