Our scientific publications
Tuning of Droop Parameters Using Virtual Capacitor Control to Improve Voltage Dynamics
This paper proposes a new approach to tuning voltage droop parameters in an MMC-based multi-terminal HVDC system. Using the new degree of freedom offered by the virtual capacitor control, the transient behavior of the DC voltage can be improved without adverse effects on the connected AC grids.
Numerical modelling and influence of defects on space charges in epoxy resin under HVDC stresses
Space charge accumulation on High Voltage Direct Current Gas Insulated Substations can produce electrical field reinforcements in the insulation that need to be taken into account in the equipment design. The TSM (Thermal Step Method) is one of the experimental techniques allowing to determine space charge distributions in insulating materials. However localized defects (i.e. microvoids, delaminations etc) cannot usually be detected by this technique. A new numerical approach to study the influence of structural defects on Thermal Step Method currents is proposed. The method is based on a Finite Element numerical simulation allowing to simultaneously solve electrical and thermal equations. The effect of three different defects were studied. It results that ring defects, with diameters smaller than 0.4 mm, produce less than 10% of change on TSM current signals. This confirms the difficulty to detect small defects by this method. It was also observed that delaminations can produce variations in signal as high as 70%, and even generate signals of opposing sign from the case without defect.
Study of convective condensation in a thermosiphon loop
In this article, we focus on the condenser of a loop thermosiphon designed to cool power electronic component. The objective here is to condense Novec 649, our chosen working fluid for this loop. It is a fluid recently developed by 3M, which is known for having low environmental impact and non-flammable. We first present a theoretical analysis with the calculation and the hypotheses leading to the design of the multi-tubular condenser. Then we present a full size thermosiphon built for experimental validation. A discussion then addresses some of the design hypotheses. Three main parameters are studied : the tilting angle of the condenser (from horizontal to vertical orientations), the temperature of the coolant and finally the mass flow effect at different saturation temperatures. In our setup, we dissipate up to 2.4 kW at the evaporator level. The produced vapor is then condensed in the heat exchanger using cold water flowing at countercurrent. A number of measurements are made via thermocouples and pressure sensors located at both ends of the condenser to measure the average heat exchange coefficient.
Electro-thermal simulation methodology for HVDC cable GIS termination
This paper presents a simulation methodology that can be used to evaluate the electric stresses in GIS/cable termination under different operating conditions including polarity reversal and superimposed impulses.
Follow up of space charge distributions in HVDC cable during a Pre-Qualification test using the Pulse ElectroAcoustic technique and the Thermal Step Method
In order to better understand the evolution of space charge and electric field distortions during the application of electro-thermal stresses to a HVDC cable system, the present paper shows the follow up of periodic space charge characterizations on a HVDC cable during part of a Pre-Qualification test using both the Pulse ElectroAcoustic technique and the Thermal Step Method. The focus is on the evolution of space charges distributions during load cycles and high load sequences according to the Cigré TB496 recommendation.
Pole-to-ground fault protection strategy for HVDC grids under symmetrical monopolar configuration
An experimental study of breakdown and pre-breakdown phenomena in liquid nitrogen (LN2) is performed in this paper, in order to provide useful knowledge for the design of high voltage superconducting systems.
Development and Set-up of a Non-intrusive Technique for measuring Space Charges in Specimens of dc cables
This paper presents a procedure for designing a power converter to produce power pulses in the conductive parts of a cable (core or shield) for non-invasive space charge measurements with a thermal wave.
Case Study of Non-Isolated MMC DC-DC Converter in HVDC Grids
This article presents the topology for non-isolated MMC-based DC-DC converter. The initial design study illustrates that such DC/DC converter will have overall semiconductor count comparable to a MMC AC-DC (used with HVDC transmission) converter of similar rating. A full controller schematic is presented and operating principles are discussed.
Comparaison de mesures de conductivité obtenues par spectroscopie diélectrique et mesure de courant sous tension continue sur une résine époxy
De par sa facilité d’utilisation et sa capacité à isoler la permittivité complexe représentant les pertes dans un matériau tout en faisant un balayage fréquentiel, la spectroscopie diélectrique semble être une méthode de choix pour obtenir la valeur de conductivité ohmique d’un matériau. Cette méthode pourrait permettre de s’affranchir des temps conséquents de stabilisation généralement associés aux mesures de conductivité issues de courbes courant-tension effectuées suivant la norme IEC 62631-3. Par l’intermédiaire d’une comparaison entre ces 2 méthodes, les auteurs vont revenir sur les limites de chacune d’entre elle.
SuperGrid Institute’s participation in PROMOTioN’s Work Package 9
SuperGrid Institute is proud to have been an active participant in the PROMOTioN project since 2016. This project is part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program and is made up of several work packages (WP) that share a common aim: developing meshed HVDC offshore grids that are both cost effective and reliable, through technological innovation. SuperGrid Institute is an active member of several Work Packages, including WP9 whose objective is to develop fault clearing strategies using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) real-time simulation (RTS).
