This paper proposes the droop control algorithm for multiple distributed Battery Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with their state of charge (SOC) feedback, shown to be effective in providing grid services while managing the SOC of the ESS. By extending the mathematical links between the ESS SOC and power dynamics for frequency regulation, this paper elaborates on how the proposed scheme integrates multiple ESS into the load frequency control and the ESS effectively augments the functional roles of the incumbent generators. The control performance for a group of ESS in grid operations is evaluated and characterized by using metrics such as the cut-off frequency and settling time, and the initial and final value theorems. Theoretical insights and practical issues are discussed. Various numerical examples and case studies for a simplified Australian network with high penetration of renewables demonstrate the validity and efficacy of the proposed method.

The operating region of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) is limited by the maximum-allowable voltage ripple of cells, which is associated with the arm energy variation. Injecting the controlled second-order harmonic component into the circulating current can reduce energy variation of the arm and, thus, extend the operating region of MMC. Care must be taken, however, that the second-order circulating current affects the arm current, and inappropriately injected harmonic current may cause an undesirable arm current polarity change. Therefore, this paper first investigates and proposes the maximum-allowable second-order circulating current for extending the operating region reliably and efficiently. The active and reactive power capability of MMC is further elaborated and illustrated in line with the maximum excess energy capability for two cases, running with: 1) the original operating region and 2) the extended operating region. Finally, the P- Q diagrams for contingent operating conditions with faulty or disabled submodules are presented. Understanding the unique shape and change of P- Q capability with credible submodule failure contingency should be crucial for planning MMC-HVDC lines, and determining the energy requirements and the level of redundancy in submodules properly in order to achieve the envisioned benefits of the new HVDC. The efficacy and accuracy of the research findings are validated for the MMC-HVDC system using PSCAD/EMTDC.

This paper presents a practical strategy for utilizing the submodule (SM) redundancy of a modular multilevel converter (MMC) for its fault tolerance. This strategy provides a systematic framework for balancing the tradeoff between two conventional methods for using the active redundancy and, thus, achieves operational flexibility. One of the existing methods improves SM reliability owing to less voltage stress on the SM components by employing all of the SMs to form the ac or dc voltages (voltage-sharing mode). The other avoids transients by keeping the average SM voltage constant at the cost of slightly increased stress on the SM components (fixed-level mode), which, however, can be controlled to provide the grid-adaptive operation by reserving the energy of the SMs not in service. We, thus, develop a new redundancy management scheme by integrating these two methods and exploiting their technical benefits to meet the PQ requirements and MMC control performance. This research provides a theoretical basis and a technical guide to determining the number of SMs, which can further increase the voltage steps as per the MMC and grid conditions. This paper also connects the remaining PQ capability of the MMC at a particular operating point with the SM redundancy concept by defining a potential redundancy, especially useful when the physical redundancy is exhausted. The theoretical findings and efficacy of the proposed strategy are validated through PSCAD/EMTDC time-domain simulations followed by experiments using a nine-level single-phase MMC system.

As a power network isolated from neighboring countries, the electricity infrastructure in South Korea (also called the Republic of Korea) requires a high level of preparation for adopting future grid technologies. System plans must provide a practical solution for power system expansion that complies with strict reliability performance criteria, including contingencies (faults) on the 765-kV transmission system. System improvements must also provide a practical solution for exchanging power between the mainland and Jeju Island, which is viewed as a carbon-free area because of the expected development of wind generation.