Fault detection and location method for multiterminal VSC-HVDC systems

Author(s)

Gustavo Mundim Caixeta

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2019-04-05

Examining board members

José Carlos de Melo Vieira Júnior; Renato Machado Monaro; Ricardo Caneloi dos Santos

• Advisor: José Carlos de Melo Vieira Júnior

Abstract

The increase of the use of renewable sources for power generation and the enhancement of Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology, DC-based systems have become viable and an advantageous alternative in many situations. The use of several converters connected in a network, ie a multi-terminal VSC-HVDC network, is presented as a way to connect several sources, such as wind and solar generators in an efficient and economically advantageous way. However, this type of network has some limitations, for example, it is more sensitive to faults than a DC current system based on Current Source Converter (CSC). Therefore, the study of faults in VSC-HVDC systems is necessary for the development of protections for these systems. In this context it is important to develop fault location methodologies in MTDC systems since this type of information can help maintenance teams to find fault and solve the problem as quickly as possible. Although there are several studies and methodologies developed for alternating current systems or for two-terminal DC systems, there are few studies on multiterminal DC networks and this studies generally address only one type of network, thus showing the need for more studies in the area. Thus, the objective of this master\'s thesis is the development of a fault localization methodology in a multi-terminal HVDC system, which will also have techniques already proposed in the literature for the detection of faults. In this document are shown the theoretical background, the studies carried out for the development of the theme, as well as the results obtained for fault localization in a simulation test system. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/13762-4 - Methodology for fault location in multiterminal VSC-HVDC transmission lines
• Grantee: Gustavo Mundim Caixeta
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master