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This paper presents a comparative analysis of the dynamic behavior of a Modular Multi-level Converter (MMC) with grid-forming control either with or without controlling the MMC internal energy. It has been demonstrated that the internal energy of the MMC in low-level control interacts with the high-level control, which is performed by a grid-forming scheme. In case of controlling the internal energy of the MMC, this interaction is mitigated. Moreover, it has been shown that the dynamic behavior of a grid-forming controlled MMC with internal energy control is identical to an equivalent 2-level Voltage Source Converter (VSC).

This paper investigates the effect of using phaselocked loop (PLL) on the performance of a grid-forming controlled converter. Usually, a grid-forming controlled converter operates without dedicated PLL. It is shown that in this case, the active power dominant dynamics are highly dependent to the grid short circuit ratio (SCR). In case of using PLL, the obtained results illustrate that the SCR has a negligible effect on the dynamic behavior of the system. Moreover, the power converter will not participate to the frequency regulation anymore; therefore, the converter response time can be adjusted independently to the choice of the droop control gain, which is not possible without PLL. A simple equivalent model is presented which gives a physical explanation of these features.

The rapid development of converter-based devices such as converter-interfaced renewable generations and high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission links is causing a profound change into the very physics of the power system. In this scenario, the power generation is shifted from the pollutant synchronous generators based on nuclear or fossil fuels to converter-based renewable resources. The modeling, control, and stability of the power converters are now one of the focuses of attention for researchers. Today, power converters have the main function of injecting power into the utility grid, while relying on synchronous machines that ensure all system needs (e.g., ancillary services, provision of inertia and reliable power reserves). This operation mode of power converters is called "Grid-following". Grid-following converters have several limitations, such as: inability to operate in a standalone mode, stability issues under weak grids and faulty conditions and also, negative side effect on the system inertia. To tackle these challenges, the grid-forming control as an alternative has shown its appropriate performance that could make this kind of control a promising solution to respond to the system needs and to allow a stable and safe operation of power system with high penetration rate of power electronic converters. In this thesis, a fundamental description of grid-forming control with a simplified quasi-static modeling approach aiming to regulate the converter active power by a voltage source behavior is presented. From the description, several variants of gridforming strategies are identified that represent some differences in terms of active power dynamic behavior, inertia emulation capability and system frequency support. Hence, the presented grid-forming variants are then classified according to their capabilities/functionalities. From the small-signal stability and robustness point of view, the studied grid-forming controls, which are implemented to a 2-level VSC at first, show their ability to operate under very weak grid conditions. Moreover, the ancillary services such as inertial response and frequency support are appropriately provided to the AC grid. The questions of the grid-forming converters protection against overcurrent and their post-fault synchronization while considering the current limitation are investigated and a new method is proposed to enhance the transient stability of the system. All the obtained results are then extended to a modular multi-level converter (MMC) topology successfully. The use of a grid forming control in an HVDC converter is interesting for the grid to which it is connected due to the inertial effect that can be induced. Therefore, the final part of this thesis evaluates the dynamic performance of an HVDC link interconnecting two AC grids and highlights the proper strategy and requirements for inertia provision.