Comparison of DC fault current limiting capability of various modular structured multilevel converters within a multi-terminal DC grid

Abstract

With the development of Modular structured Voltage Source Converters (VSC), Multi-Terminal DC (MTDC) transmission systems have now become a feasible solution to transmit power at high voltage which greatly improves the electric power transmission system. The MTDC grid has lower capital costs and lower losses than an equivalent AC transmission system. Thus for long distance power transmission MTDC grid becomes a very attractive solution. Since the MTDC network is now built based on VSCs, it automatically offers better quality of transmitted power along with more flexibility in power transmission over the conventional current source converters. However, VSC based MTDC transmission systems are vulnerable to DC side fault and expensive DC circuit breakers are required to protect them against DC fault. This paper compares the DC short circuit fault response of different modular multi-level converters (MMC) inside a MTDC system. For the comparison purpose two different kind of MMC topologies have been considered namely, Modular Multi-level Converter (MMC) with High Frequency DC/DC Isolation Stage and MMC with full bridge sub modules. The paper analyzes the fault current limiting capabilities of each of the converters. PSCAD simulation is also done to prove the relevance of the analysis.