The Impact of Modular Multilevel Converter Control on DC Short-Circuit Currents of HVDC Systems

Author(s)

Lacerda, Vinicius A. ; Coury, Denis V. ; Suzuki, Nayara Y. ; Monaro, Renato M. ; IEEE

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: 2018 POWER SYSTEMS COMPUTATION CONFERENCE (PSCC); v. N/A, p. 7-pg., 2018-01-01.

Abstract

In Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) based DC systems, during the initial stage of a DC fault, the control system operates normally, inserting and bypassing submodules. Consequently, each MMC control technique would provide a different characteristic to the DC short-circuit behavior. Therefore, this paper presents a comparative analysis of MMC control techniques, providing a better understanding on how the control techniques impact the fault currents. The analyses were performed by simulating and applying DC faults to a two-terminal VSC-HVDC system with different groups of control techniques. It was found that the DC fault current was not influenced either by control parameters, modulation or output-current control techniques. The arm-balancing control influenced the DC fault currents as it has an impact on the modulation reference signal. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/21167-6 - Fault detection, fault location and intelligent protection of multiterminal HVDC lines
• Grantee: Vinícius Albernaz Lacerda Freitas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)