Field-Measurement-Based Wideband Modeling and System-Level Simulation of MMC-HVDC Converter Stations for High-Frequency Disturbance Studies
Abstract
1. Introduction
- A field-measurement-driven wideband modeling workflow is established for full-scale engineering-site primary equipment. It combines admittance-domain vector fitting and passive parallel-branch synthesis for the arm reactor with a Foster I/II hybrid -type terminal model for the valve-side winding of the converter transformer, thereby reducing reliance on design-only parasitic parameters or reduced-scale prototypes.
- The field-identified terminal models are integrated into a representative PSCAD station-level MMC-HVDC platform while the converter switching, modulation, control, and external network are retained. This bridges equipment-level frequency-response identification and station-level time-domain conducted-HF analysis.
- A paired injection–baseline simulation procedure isolates the source-driven station response. The representative event quantifies the time-domain peak change and frequency-selective propagation toward the arm-reactor, DC-side, valve-side AC, and point-of-common-coupling (PCC) terminals, and identifies a dominant DC-side oscillation near 0.61 MHz. A four-run control-identical comparison with conventional lumped equipment models further quantifies how the terminal representation changes the predicted path response.
2. Wideband Modeling of Key Equipment
2.1. Vector-Fitting-Based Wideband Model of the Arm Reactor
2.1.1. Rational Approximation
2.1.2. Synthesis to a Fully Parallel Equivalent Network
- A real pole with residue contributes an R–L series branch with
- A complex-conjugate pole pair with residues contributes a parallel resistor–inductor–capacitor (RLC) resonant branch with
- The constant asymptotic term d contributes a parallel conductance , or equivalently a shunt resistance . The proportional asymptotic term e, when retained in the final fit, contributes a static shunt capacitance .
2.1.3. Parameter Identification Procedure
2.2. Foster I/II Hybrid -Network Model
2.2.1. DM/CM Impedance Reconstruction
- CM measurement: Terminals A and B are short-circuited, and the impedance between the short-circuited terminal and the reference ground G is measured as . Since the two ends of are at the same potential, the DM branch is bypassed and the two branches are in parallel, giving
- DM measurement: The impedance between terminals A and B is measured directly as . From the port A–B, the measured impedance consists of the direct DM branch in parallel with the ground-return path formed by the two CM branches in series; i.e.,
2.2.2. Foster I-Type Network for the DM Impedance
2.2.3. Foster II-Type Network for the CM Impedance
2.2.4. Parameter Identification Procedure
3. Field Measurement and System-Level Implementation
3.1. System Under Study
3.2. Field Frequency-Response Measurement
3.3. Model Verification
3.4. PSCAD Implementation
4. Case Study: HF Signal Propagation
4.1. Simulation Configuration and Steady-State Operating Point
4.2. Time-Domain Propagation of the Representative Event
4.3. Frequency-Selective Propagation and DC-Side Oscillation
4.4. Controlled Comparison with Conventional Lumped Equipment Models
4.5. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
Abbreviations
| AC | Alternating current |
| CM | Common mode |
| DC | Direct current |
| DFT | Discrete Fourier transform |
| DM | Differential mode |
| EMI | Electromagnetic interference |
| EMT | Electromagnetic transient |
| FRA | Frequency-response analysis |
| HF | High frequency |
| HVDC | High-voltage direct current |
| IGBT | Insulated-gate bipolar transistor |
| MMC | Modular multilevel converter |
| MMC-HVDC | Modular multilevel converter-based high-voltage direct current |
| PCC | Point of common coupling |
| PSCAD | Power systems computer-aided design |
| RLC | Resistor–inductor–capacitor |
| sFRA | Sweep frequency-response analysis |
| SM | Submodule |
| VF | Vector fitting |
References
- Lesnicar, A.; Marquardt, R. An Innovative Modular Multilevel Converter Topology Suitable for a Wide Power Range. In Proceedings of the IEEE Bologna Power Tech Conference Proceedings, Bologna, Italy, 23–26 June 2003; Volume 3, pp. 272–277. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Pan, E.; Yue, B.; Li, X.; Zhao, Z.; Zhu, Q. Integration technology and practice for long-distance offshore wind power in China. Energy Convers. Econ. 2020, 1, 4–19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Xu, Y.; Ho, C.N.M.; Ghosh, A.; Muthumuni, D. An Electrical Transient Model of IGBT-Diode Switching Cell for Power Semiconductor Loss Estimation in Electromagnetic Transient Simulation. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2020, 35, 2979–2989. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Sun, T.; Pei, X.; Shan, Y.; Pei, J.; Jiang, D. Submodule Switching-State Based EMI Modeling and Mixed-Mode EMI Phenomenon in MMC. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2023, 38, 1831–1843. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Wang, Z.; Li, H.; Chu, Z.; Zhang, C.; Yang, Z.; Shao, T.; Hu, Y. A Review of EMI Research in Modular Multilevel Converter for HVDC Applications. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2022, 37, 14482–14498. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Zhu, R.; Lin, N.; Dinavahi, V.; Liang, G. An Accurate and Fast Method for Conducted EMI Modeling and Simulation of MMC-Based HVdc Converter Station. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2020, 35, 4689–4702. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Li, G.; Ye, H.; Bin, Z. High-frequency oscillation mechanism analysis of wind farm-side MMC station considering converter transformer stray capacitance. Int. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst. 2023, 153, 109179. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Hu, Y.; Li, Y.; Li, Y.; Chen, J.; Zhang, Y. Modeling and Parameter Identification of Converter Transformer for High-Frequency Resonance Problem of Flexible DC Converter Station. Trans. China Electrotech. Soc. 2024, 39, 7154–7166. (In Chinese) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nasirpour, F.; Heidary, A.; Niasar, M.G.; Lekić, A.; Popov, M. High-frequency transformer winding model with adequate protection. Electr. Power Syst. Res. 2023, 223, 109637. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Das, A.K.; Fernandes, B.G. Estimation of the Resonance Frequencies Using an Electrostatic Energy Based Capacitance Model of a Two-Winding Medium/High-Frequency Transformer. IEEE Trans. Ind. Appl. 2022, 58, 5301–5316. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Zhao, H.; Luan, S.; Shen, Z.; Hanson, A.J.; Gao, Y.; Dalal, D.N.; Wang, R.; Zhou, S.; Munk-Nielsen, S. Rethinking Basic Assumptions for Modeling Parasitic Capacitance in Inductors. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2022, 37, 8281–8289. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Lan, Y.; Yang, L.; Zhang, X.; Chen, Q.; Zheng, Z. Calculation Model of Parasitic Capacitance for High-Frequency Inductors and Transformers. IEEE Access 2023, 11, 143182–143189. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Dai, F.; Zeng, D.; Liu, S.; Wang, G. A practical impedance modeling method of MMC-HVDC transmission system for medium- and high-frequency resonance analysis. Electr. Power Syst. Res. 2022, 212, 108636. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Guo, H. Impedance and Stability Analysis of Voltage-Source Converter Interconnection Based on a Universal Admittance Model. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2020, 35, 10064–10077. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, J.; Chen, W.; Liu, Y.; Fu, C.; Ye, Y.; Feng, J. High-frequency Resonance Analysis and Impedance Reshaping Control of MMC-HVDC System Based on Frequency Coupling Impedance Model. J. Mod. Power Syst. Clean Energy 2024, 12, 646–657. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Guo, C.; Du, D.; Cheng, H.; Gan, F. A Frequency Estimation-Based Adaptive Mitigation Approach for High-Frequency Oscillation in MMC-HVDC System. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2024, 39, 5509–5521. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Morched, A.; Marti, L.; Ottevangers, J. A high frequency transformer model for the EMTP. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 1993, 8, 1615–1626. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Gustavsen, B. Wide Band Modeling of Power Transformers. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2004, 19, 414–422. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zheng, Y.M.; Wang, Z.J. Determining the Broadband Loss Characteristics of Power Transformer Based on Measured Transformer Network Functions and Vector Fitting Method. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2013, 28, 2456–2464. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Gustavsen, B.; Semlyen, A. Rational Approximation of Frequency Domain Responses by Vector Fitting. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 1999, 14, 1052–1061. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Gustavsen, B. Improving the Pole Relocating Properties of Vector Fitting. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2006, 21, 1587–1592. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Gustavsen, B.; Semlyen, A. Enforcing passivity for admittance matrices approximated by rational functions. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2001, 16, 97–104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Holdyk, A.; Gustavsen, B.; Arana, I.; Holboell, J. Wideband Modeling of Power Transformers Using Commercial sFRA Equipment. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2014, 29, 1446–1453. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Gustavsen, B.; Tandstad, B. Wideband Modeling of a 45-MVA Generator Step-Up Transformer for Network Interaction Studies. Electr. Power Syst. Res. 2017, 142, 47–57. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Ren, F.; Zhang, H.; Liu, Y.; Ji, S.; Li, Q. Ladder Network Synthesis in Wide Frequency Range for Transformer Winding From Its Driving-Point Admittance Data. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2022, 37, 1370–1379. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Shen, H.; Dongye, Z.; Qi, L.; Wang, M.; Zhang, X.; Qiu, P.; Wei, X. Modeling of High-frequency Electromagnetic Oscillation for DC Fault in MMC-HVDC Systems. CSEE J. Power Energy Syst. 2023, 9, 1151–1160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Lin, L.; Zeng, Q.; Zhu, J.; Shi, X.; Hu, J. High-Frequency Oscillation Mechanism Analysis and Suppression Strategy of Grid-Forming Control MMC-HVDC. IEEE Trans. Power Del. 2023, 38, 1588–1600. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Xu, J.; Zhu, Y.; Liu, Y.; Tian, Z.; Zhao, C.; Li, G. Electromagnetic Transient Modeling and Simulation Method for Internal Faults in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators. J. Mod. Power Syst. Clean Energy 2026, 14, 907–919. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Zhao, H.; Lan, J.; Chen, W.; Wang, Y.; Chen, Y.; Yuan, Y. A New High-Ratio-Transformer Based Soft Open Point with Mixed-Frequency Modulation Method. IEEE Trans. Power Electron. 2026, 41, 17402–17417. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Sanathanan, C.K.; Koerner, J. Transfer function synthesis as a ratio of two complex polynomials. IEEE Trans. Autom. Control 1963, 8, 56–58. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- Gustavsen, B. Wideband Transformer Modeling Including Core Nonlinear Effects. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2016, 31, 219–227. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]
- IEC 60076-18:2012; Power Transformers–Part 18: Measurement of Frequency Response. International Electrotechnical Commission: Geneva, Switzerland, 2012.
- IEEE Std C57.149-2024; IEEE Guide for the Application and Interpretation of Frequency Response Analysis for Oil-Immersed Transformers. IEEE: New York, NY, USA, 2024.
- Saad, H.; Peralta, J.; Dennetière, S.; Mahseredjian, J.; Jatskevich, J.; Martinez, J.A.; Davoudi, A.; Saeedifard, M.; Sood, V.; Wang, X.; et al. Dynamic Averaged and Simplified Models for MMC-Based HVDC Transmission Systems. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2013, 28, 1723–1730. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Scilit]


















| Study | System or Object | Model Basis | Main Focus | Evidence or Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lin et al. [27] | Grid forming MMC-HVDC network | Dynamic phasor small-signal model | HFO related to control | 1.38/1.56 kHz; RT-LAB |
| Shen et al. [26] | MMC-HVDC DC fault clearing | Parasitic circuit and staged equations | Oscillation during fault stages | 200 kV short circuit test |
| Measured transformer models [8,23,24,25] | Transformer terminal networks | Measured response and passive synthesis | Equipment and network response | 45 MVA example; 5 Hz–10 MHz; EMT |
| Xu et al. [28] | PMSG internal faults | Backward Euler nodal EMT | Fault and system integration | 2 MW unit/200 MW farm; MATLAB benchmark |
| Zhao et al. [29] | High-ratio transformer soft open point | Topology and mixed frequency modulation | Power flow and voltage balancing | 190 V/3.7 kW experiment |
| Present work | Arm reactor, converter transformer, and station | Field response, passive synthesis, and PSCAD | Propagation paths of switching disturbances | ±800 kV station field data; 1 kHz–30 MHz sweep |
| # | Type | R () | L (H) | C (F) | (MHz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 | |||||
| 6 | 283 | ||||
| 7 | |||||
| 8 | |||||
| 9 | Main R–L | — | — | ||
| 10 | Damping R | — | — | — |
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Single-end inverter, ±800 kV-class bipolar |
| Rated power | 8 GW |
| Pole-to-pole DC voltage | 1600 kV |
| AC-side line voltage | 515 kV |
| Rated DC current | ≈5000 A |
| Submodule type | Half-bridge |
| Submodules per arm | |
| Rated SM capacitor voltage |
| Observation Point | Peak (V) | Peak/Source (dB) | (dB) | (dB) | (dB) | (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valve-side source | 605.6 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Arm-reactor terminal | 972.6 | +4.11 | +5.52 | |||
| DC-side node | 534.2 | +3.15 | ||||
| Valve-side AC terminal | 438.4 | |||||
| PCC | 151.9 |
| Indicator | Field-Identified Wideband Model | Conventional Lumped Model | Wideband-to-Lumped Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source peak (V) | 605.6 | 605.6 | 0.00 dB |
| Arm-reactor-terminal peak (V) | 500.9 | 355.6 | dB |
| DC-side peak (V) | 171.9 | 1.23 | dB |
| Valve-side AC peak (V) | 320.9 | 248.8 | dB |
| PCC peak (V) | 121.4 | 3.93 | dB |
| Arm HF-current peak (A) | 1.875 | 0.0091 | dB |
| DC-side transfer at 0.8 MHz (dB) | dB | ||
| Valve-side AC transfer at 1.6 MHz (dB) | dB | ||
| PCC transfer at 1.6 MHz (dB) | dB |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
Share and Cite
Yu, B.; Bai, T.; Si, J.; Jin, Y.; Liu, L.; Cai, G.; Shen, M.; Lai, Z.; Mu, H. Field-Measurement-Based Wideband Modeling and System-Level Simulation of MMC-HVDC Converter Stations for High-Frequency Disturbance Studies. Electronics 2026, 15, 3860. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15173860
Yu B, Bai T, Si J, Jin Y, Liu L, Cai G, Shen M, Lai Z, Mu H. Field-Measurement-Based Wideband Modeling and System-Level Simulation of MMC-HVDC Converter Stations for High-Frequency Disturbance Studies. Electronics. 2026; 15(17):3860. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15173860
Chicago/Turabian StyleYu, Bing, Tong Bai, Jiangfeng Si, Yongtao Jin, Li Liu, Guangsheng Cai, Maoqun Shen, Zekai Lai, and Haibao Mu. 2026. "Field-Measurement-Based Wideband Modeling and System-Level Simulation of MMC-HVDC Converter Stations for High-Frequency Disturbance Studies" Electronics 15, no. 17: 3860. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15173860
APA StyleYu, B., Bai, T., Si, J., Jin, Y., Liu, L., Cai, G., Shen, M., Lai, Z., & Mu, H. (2026). Field-Measurement-Based Wideband Modeling and System-Level Simulation of MMC-HVDC Converter Stations for High-Frequency Disturbance Studies. Electronics, 15(17), 3860. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15173860

