Evaluation of a Local Fault Detection Algorithm for HVDC Systems M.J. Perez-Molina, P. Eguia-Lopez, D.M. Larruskain-Eskobal, M. Santos-Mugica and R. Rodriguez-Sanchez   2019/07/15

Abstract

A great increase in the amount of energy generated from clean and renewable sources integrated in the electric power system is expected worldwide in the coming years. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems are seen as a promising alternative to the traditional Alternating Current (AC) systems for the expansion of the electric power system. However, to achieve this vision, there are some remaining challenges regarding HVDC systems which need to be solved. One of the main challenges is related to fault detection and location in HVDC grids. This paper reviews the main protection algorithms available and presents the evaluation of a local fault detection algorithm for DC faults in a multi-terminal Voltage Source Conversion (VSC) based HVDC grid. The paper analyses the influence of the DC voltage sampling frequency and the cable length in the performance of the algorithm.

Authors and affiliations

M.J. Perez-Molina1, P. Eguia-Lopez1, D.M. Larruskain-Eskobal1, M. Santos-Mugica2 and R. Rodriguez-Sanchez2
1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of Bilbao, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU
Bilbao (Spain)
2. Energy Unit, Tecnalia. Parque Tecnológico de Vizcaya, Derio (Spain)

Key words

DC faults, fault detection, local protection system, multi-terminal, VSC-HVDC grid, protection algorithm.

References

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