Short-Circuit Analysis of AC Distribution Systems Dominated by Voltage Source Converters Considering Converter Limitations

Abstract

This paper deals with the short-circuit analysis of distribution systems dominated by Voltage Source Converters (VSCs). A novel methodology has been proposed in this paper for short-circuit calculation of power systems populated with VSCs where the control modes and potential current-saturated operation of power converters are considered. The studied distribution system has been modeled using an element-based steady-state formulation that includes the converter equations in both normal operation and fault scenarios. Then, equilibrium points of the studied distribution system are identified by solving the established systems of equations for different potential current-saturation states of the VSCs. The methodology identifies possible solutions involving different saturation states of different converters. The proposed methodology is applied to a specific case study of a distribution system penetrated with VSCs in both grid-forming and grid-following control. The short-circuit analysis results indicate that VSCs operation shows a significant impact on the short-circuit equilibrium points of the studied system. In addition, multiple equilibrium points may exist depending on whether the grid-forming converter is saturated or not. The existence of multiple equilibrium points is validated through dynamic simulations.