Return to PhD Projects List

Virtual Synchronous Machine functionality in Voltage Source Converter: control and design requirements

Virtual Synchronous Machine functionality in Voltage Source Converter: control and design requirements
Virtual Synchronous Machine functionality in Voltage Source Converter: control and design requirements

Supervisors - Dr. MIchael Merlin, University of Edinburgh and Prof. Lie Xu, University of Strathclyde

PhD Student - Agatha Williams-Kelly, University of Edinburgh

Status - Complete

The AC transmission grid constitutes the backbone of the renewable energy revolution, driving the reduction in carbon emissions. The stability of the AC grid is maintained by large moments of inertia provided by traditional synchronous generators, which are being 
supplanted by intermittent, inertia-less new energy sources. This project will examine the integration, through control and design improvements, of Virtual Synchronous Machine functionality within future HVDC power converters; tapping into their deep interaction with the AC grid to provide both inertia response. This will increase the stability of the AC transmission grid in time for higher penetration of renewable energy sources.