A Dynamic Series Voltage Compensator for the Mitigation of LCC-HVDC Commutation Failure

Abstract

To effectively mitigate the commutation failure (CF) of the line-commutated converter high-voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) transmission system, a dynamic series voltage compensator (DSVC) scheme is proposed. The DSVC consists of three integrated gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT)-based full-bridge submodule (FBSM) chains to match the bulk power transmission of the LCC-HVDC. Inserted between the transformer and the AC port of the inverter, the DSVC assists the commutation process by superposing the transient voltage to the AC line voltage and increasing the commutation margin of the inverter valve. Operation and control strategies, which are two critical techniques for the DSVC, are designed based on the working states of the FBSMs, assisting the commutation process and balancing the DSVC capacitor dynamic voltages. The CF detection method is another critical technique of the DSVC control and is improved considering the reverse time of the LCC-HVDC thyristors. Compared with the topologies proposed in existing literature, the DSVC has better performances in safe and stable operation due to the urgent control strategy considering situations beyond its ability. A detailed EMT simulation shows that the DSVC can respond quickly to mitigate CFs and validate the effectiveness of the overall design and key techniques. Furthermore, the operation and control strategy can limit the current stress once it is beyond the capability of the DSVC, which guarantees its feasibility and practicability.