Thesis Work on Investigating converter-driven instability in MVDC grids

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Your role and responsibilities

With advances in Solid State Transformers (SSTs), MVDC technology is becoming more accessible and mature for marine, mining, railways, etc., as well as for collector networks. Despite their many benefits, MVDC grids, especially the multi-terminal MVDC and AC-DC parallel networks, are susceptible to CDI (converter-driven instability). These CDIs could have various causalities such as interactions between converter control loops, and ac or dc network parameters. To support the growing adoption of MVDC technologies, it is therefore important to assess the stability of MVDC networks under varying topologies and control.

Details:

• Period: January 2027-June 2027, 5 months
• Number of credits:  30 ECTS
• Number of students for this thesis work: 1
• Location: ABB Corporate Research (Västerås)

This thesis investigates converter-driven instability in multi-terminal MVDC and AC-DC parallel networks. The core idea is to examine how interactions between converter control loops, AC grid strength, DC cable and filter parameters, and the DC network topology affect the small-signal stability of MVDC grids.

Goals:​

• Develop dynamic and small-signal models of a representative MVDC grid.
• Identify the various causalities of instability and the key parameters that determine stability margins.
• Evaluate mitigation measures and derive guidelines for stability assurance of MVDC grid design.​​​

Qualifications for the role

• Strong interest in solving emerging real-world problems.
• Background in Electrical Engineering with focus on Power Systems, or Power Electronics.
• Good knowledge of control theory.
• Experience in power system modelling (e.g. small-signal analysis) in PSCAD / PowerFactory is desirable.
• Good programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink or Python.​
  

More about us

Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 9906, will answer your general questions. Supervisors Debargha Brahma (debargha.brahma@se.abb.com) and Wadih Naim (wadih.naim@se.abb.com) will answer questions about the thesis topic and expectations. 

Positions are filled continuously. Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English.

We look forward to receiving your application!

A future opportunity

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