High Voltage Direct Current Power Research Articles

Multiterminal DC Transmission Systems Based on Superconducting Cables Feasibility Study, Modeling, and Control

This paper deals with the appropriate modeling and control strategy of a multiterminal dc transmission (MTDC) system that incorporates high-temperature superconducting (HTS) dc cables. The system is based on voltage source converters for the interconnection of stiff ac grids. An overview of the high voltage direct current power transfer technology along with the possibilities it enables, as well as an introduction to the concept of multiterminal topology are presented. The operation principles of the superconducting technology are described and the control strategy of HTS-based MTDC networks is presented. To validate the performance and the dynamic response of the system under steady state as well as under fault and load change conditions, a typical four-terminal MTDC network in ring topology is developed in MATLAB/Simulink.

DSRD-Based HVdc Power Supply

A novel high-voltage direct current (HVdc) power supply which has no transformer or voltage multiplier circuit is presented and analyzed in this paper. This is made possible upon the diodes storage delay phenomenon. This proposed power supply is compact, lightweight, and low cost. Its basic structure includes a diode with a proper reverse recovery specification that plays the role of a step-up transformer in the conventional HVdc supplies and a high-voltage capacitor which stabilizes the output voltage. This structure has remarkable advantages over the conventional transformer-based HVdc supplies, such as compactness, a low ripple output, and a low-cost power supply. Performance of the proposed method and its accuracy are investigated in this paper. The results are verified by implementation of a 1.2-kV prototype supply.

Numerical study of influential factors on partial discharges in HVDC XLPE cables

PurposeFor the dramatically developed high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission, HVDC cables play a vital role in the power transmission across seas and connections with renewable power sources. However, the condition monitoring of HVDC cables is still a challenging research topic. This paper aims to understand the influence of external factors, namely, current, cavity location and material properties, on partial discharge (PD) characteristics in HVDC cable in a numerical way referring to the refined Niemeyer’s model.Design/methodology/approachThe influences of the three external factors are studied by a proposed numerical model for DC PDs based on the modification of a conventional PD model for AC voltage via a finite element analysis method.FindingsThe external factors can influence the discharge magnitude and discharge repetition rate via affecting the electrical conductivity of the material: DC PD is more frequent and with higher discharge magnitude when the cavity is closer to the conductor or the current through the conductor is higher. Both DC PD repetition rate and average discharge magnitude in long-term aged material are lower than virgin material. The effect of discharge on insulation degradation becomes decreasingly significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe current work is based on the numerical modelling of DC PDs. Further experimental validations and comparisons are essential for improving the model.Practical implicationsThe studies of the influence factors for PDs under HVDC voltage can benefit the research and practical power transmission on DC PDs, contributing the design and test of DC PDs in HVDC cables, exploring the understandings of the DC PDs’ mechanism.Originality/valueThis paper, to the best of author’s knowledge, first studies the influence factors on DC PDs based on the numerical modelling work.

Recovery characteristics of YBCO tapes against DC over current impulse

With the fast development of voltage source converter based high voltage direct current (VSCHVDC) power system, an effective fault current method is in demand. In HVDC systems, the short-circuit current generally exceeds the capacity of the fast circuit breaker. Meanwhile, a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is able to limit the short circuit current level. If installed in an overhead line system, SFCL has to meet the requirement of the reclosing time. The fault current is much larger than the critical current of superconducting tapes, which generates huge heat and the temperature of the tapes in the resistive type SFCL will increase sharply. After removing the fault, the tapes need certain time to recover to the superconducting state. Thus, the recovery characteristics in DC faults are an important feature of the resistive type SFCL, and they are mainly determined by the corresponding features of the superconducting tapes. In this paper, a method is presented to measure the recovery time under transient DC over current impulse. The recovery characteristics of high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes under transient DC over current impulse are studied. The recovery time under different impulse duration and different impulse amplitude are measured by experiments. The influence factors of the recovery characteristics are discussed, which will be useful for the design of SFCL.

Measurement of surface charges on the dielectric film based on field mills under the HVDC corona wire

The ion flow field on the ground is one of the significant parameters used to evaluate the electromagnetic environment of high voltage direct current (HVDC) power lines. HVDC lines may cross the greenhouses due to the restricted transmission corridors. Under the condition of ion flow field, the dielectric films on the greenhouses will be charged, and the electric fields in the greenhouses may exceed the limit value. Field mills are widely used to measure the ground-level direct current electric fields under the HVDC power lines. In this paper, the charge inversion method is applied to calculate the surface charges on the dielectric film according to the measured ground-level electric fields. The advantages of hiding the field mill probes in the ground are studied. The charge inversion algorithm is optimized in order to decrease the impact of measurement errors. Based on the experimental results, the surface charge distribution on a piece of quadrate dielectric film under a HVDC corona wire is studied. The enhanced effect of dielectric film on ground-level electric field is obviously weakened with the increase of film height. Compared with the total electric field strengths, the normal components of film-free electric fields at the corresponding film-placed positions have a higher effect on surface charge accumulation.

Review of Research Progress on the Electrical Properties and Modification of Mineral Insulating Oils Used in Power Transformers

In November 2017, the first ±1100 kV high-voltage direct-current power transformer in the world, which was made by Siemens in Nurnberg, passed its type test. Meanwhile, in early 2017, a ±1000 kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) substation was officially put into operation in Tianjin, China. These examples illustrate that the era of UHV power transmission is coming. With the rapid increase in power transmission voltage, the performance requirements for the insulation of power transformers are getting higher and higher. The traditional mineral oils used inside power transformers as insulating and cooling agents are thus facing a serious challenge to meet these requirements. In this review, the basic properties of traditional mineral insulating oil are first introduced. Then, the variation of electrical properties such as breakdown strength, permittivity, and conductivity during transformer operation and aging is summarized. Next, the modification of mineral insulating oil is investigated with a focus on the influence of nanoparticles on the electrical properties of nano-modified insulating oil. Recent studies on the performance of mineral oil at molecular and atomic levels by molecular dynamics simulations are then described. Finally, future research hotspots and notable research topics are discussed.

Application of Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm for Optimal Power Flow of Two-Terminal HVDC Transmission System

This paper applies a relatively new optimization method, the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm for Optimal Power Flow (OPF) of two-terminal High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electrical power system. The OPF problem of pure AC power systems considers the minimization of total costs under equality and inequality constraints. Hence, the OPF problem of integrated AC-DC power systems is extended to incorporate HVDC links, while taking into consideration the power transfer control characteristics using a GWO algorithm. This algorithm is inspired by the hunting behavior and social leadership of grey wolves in nature. The proposed algorithm is applied to two different case-studies: the modified 5-bus and WSCC 9-bus test systems. The validity of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by comparing the obtained results with those reported in literature using other optimization techniques. Analysis of the obtained results show that the proposed GWO algorithm is able to achieve shorter CPU time, as well as minimized total cost when compared with already existing optimization techniques. This conclusion proves the efficiency of the GWO algorithm.

Decoupled TAB converter with energy storage system for HVDC power system of more electric aircraft

It is an important trend to develop the more electric aircraft (MEA) ±270 V high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power system because of its better reliability, power quality and power density. However, there also exists the low-voltage 28 V DC system in HVDC power system, for the aviation battery and some equipment still rely on it. In traditional MEA power systems, battery is only used as a backup power supply, hardly participating in the adjustment of the power system. On the other hand, the function of turbine engine is unidirectional. Hence, it's necessary to add an energy storage port. In this research, the authors put forward the problems of power coupling and strong non-linearity in traditional three-port triple active bridge (TAB) converters, and propose a decoupled TAB topology, which has the feature of decoupled power flow. The topology is compatible with ±270 V DC, 28 V DC and energy storage system with high-power density and efficiency. In addition, the authors unify the efficiency optimisation problem of dual active bridge topology mathematically and provide an optimal parameter design approach for inductance and turns ratio. Simulation results show the power flow control strategy is appropriate for the topology.

Behavioural modelling and power quality simulation of a HVDC electric power system for MEA

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power system (EPS) is a promising architecture for more electric aircraft (MEA). With more electric power used, a higher voltage is necessary to make aircrafts more efficient and less weighted. However, there are no standards can be followed to evaluate the power quality of HVDC EPS, especially for 540 VDC system. In this study, a potential HVDC EPS is proposed and power quality is studied by simulation. Behavioural models of the system are established in detail from source to load. Three kinds of typical loads of MEA are defined and their impacts on power quality are analysed including resistances, power electronic converters, and motors. Some suggestions are provided for design and integration of the EPS for MEA.

Permanent magnet synchronous machine starter/generators based high‐voltage DC parallel electric power system for the more electric aircraft

A high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power system (EPS) has become an attractive power distribution architecture for the more electric aircraft. The structure of a typical HVDC parallel EPS based on the permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) starter/generators (S/Gs) is proposed in this study. On the basis of this structure, the control strategy for a single PMSM S/G system is presented, which is suitable for wide-speed operation and high-power application. It can not only achieve both starter and generator functions but also achieve the stability of DC bus voltage. A master–slave current sharing method is derived and can be applied in the HVDC parallel system, compared with the droop-control strategy. The validity of the proposed strategies is verified by simulation studies in a Matlab/Simulation environment.

Model, Design, and Testing of Field Mill Sensors for Measuring Electric Fields Under High-Voltage Direct-Current Power Lines

High-voltage direct-current (HVdc) transmission lines have been implemented in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, and Sweden, and the safety concerns as the result of the high electromagnetic-radiation underneath the HVdc lines have garnered increased public attentions. Here, we report on the model, design, and testing of field-mill electric field sensors to measure the electric field at the ground level under the HVdc transmission lines. This study utilized a finite-element analysis method to establish numerical simulation results based on the electrical and mechanical parameters to achieve optimal designs with experimental calibrations. Afterward, these sensors were successfully tested and utilized at the national high-voltage test base.

Potential of silicon carbide MOSFETs in the DC/DC converters for future HVDC offshore wind farms

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) is more and more often implemented for long distance electrical energy transmission, especially for off-shore wind farms. In this study, a full DC off-shore wind farm, which requires a high-power and high-voltage DC/DC converter, is considered. In order to reduce the size of the converter, the trend is to increase operating frequency. Silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are becoming industrially available and give scope for the realisation of high-performance DC/DC converters based on modular architectures. This study presents a prospective analysis of the potential of such devices in HVDC power systems. Considering the characteristics of Si insulated-gate bipolar transistor and SiC MOSFET power modules, two DC/DC converter topologies are compared in terms of losses and number of components. In conclusion, a study of the efficiency based on converter energy loss is presented.

Development of a Wireless Sensor Network with Optical Electric Sensor for Electric Field Measurement

The area of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line is very large, so using cable for electric field monitoring system is very inconvenient. Wireless sensor network (WSN) can solve this problem. Compared with the traditional communication network, WSN has the advantages of small volume, high flexibility, strong self-organization. So it’s more suitable for the construction of distributed electric field monitoring system which has long distance and high mobility. On the other hand, optical E-field sensors are passive devices and they have such advantages as compact structure, wide-band response and wide measuring range which mechanical sensors lack. A distributed wireless system with optical E-field sensor is designed for collecting and monitoring the electric field under HVDC transmission lines. This measurement system has been used in China’s state grid HVDC test base and power transmission projects. Based on the experimental results, this measurement system demonstrates that it can adapt to the complex electromagnetic environment under the transmission lines and can accomplish the accurate, flexible, and stable demands of the electric field measurement.

Three-Dimensional Nanometer Features of Direct Current Electrical Trees in Low-Density Polyethylene.

Electrical trees are one reason for the breakdown of insulating materials in electrical power systems. An understanding of the growth of electrical trees plays a crucial role in the development of reliable high voltage direct current (HVDC) power grid systems with transmission voltages up to 1 MV. A section that contained an electrical tree in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been visualized in three dimensions (3D) with a resolution of 92 nm by X-ray ptychographic tomography. The 3D imaging revealed prechannel-formations with a lower density with the width of a couple of hundred nanometers formed around the main branch of the electrical tree. The prechannel structures were partially connected with the main tree via paths through material with a lower density, proving that the tree had grown in a step-by-step manner via the prestep structures formed in front of the main channels. All the prechannel structures had a size well below the limit of the Paschen law and were thus not formed by partial discharges. Instead, it is suggested that the prechannel structures were formed by electro-mechanical stress and impact ionization, where the former was confirmed by simulations to be a potential explanation with electro-mechanical stress tensors being almost of the same order of magnitude as the short-term modulus of low-density polyethylene.

Decreasing the frequency of HVDC commutation failures caused by harmonics

Commutation failure, primarily caused by voltage drops and distortion, may lead to high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power interruption and AC system oscillation. To date, there have been few studies on the mechanism and prevention of commutation failure based on voltage distortion caused by harmonics. This study analyses the influence of harmonic voltage on commutation failure based on voltage time area and proposes a method for quantitative analysis of harmonic effects. The analysis shows that limiting the DC current is an effective method to mitigate commutation failure caused by harmonics. A voltage distortion-dependent commutation failure prevention strategy is proposed, and the controller is applied on the inverter side. The selection of parameters is based on the influence of various harmonic orders. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed methods are verified by simulations, which show that voltage distortion-dependent commutation failure prevention strategy can improve the DC system recovery characteristics and suppress subsequent commutation failure caused by harmonics.

Test circuit for MMC‐based VSC valves in HVDC power station

A test circuit for modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based voltage-sourced converter valves in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system is dealt with. The proposed scheme has an ability to provide a submodule current having DC component as well as AC component to represent real operating condition of HVDC transmission system. There is no need of extra power supply to provide the DC current component because the scheme has inherent circulating DC current between rectifier and inverter valves. Therefore, only one small power rated DC power supply is necessary. Experiments are carried out to show the validity of the proposed test circuit.

Highly Insulating Polyethylene Blends for High-Voltage Direct-Current Power Cables

The insulation of state-of-the-art extruded high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) power cables is composed of cross-linked low-density polyethylene. Driven by the search for sustainable energy solutions, concepts that improve the ability to withstand high electrical fields and, ultimately, the power transmission efficiency are in high demand. The performance of a HVDC insulation material is limited by its residual electrical conductivity. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of small amounts of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin results in a drastic reduction in DC conductivity. An HDPE content as low as 1 wt % is found to introduce a small population of thicker crystalline lamellae, which are finely distributed throughout the material. The change in nanostructure correlates with a decrease in DC conductivity by approximately 1 order of magnitude to about 10-15 S m-1 at high electric fields of 30 and 40 kV mm-1 and elevated temperature of 70 °C. This work opens up an alternative design concept for the insulation of HVDC power cables.

WSN-Based Space Charge Density Measurement System.

It is generally acknowledged that high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line endures the drawback of large area, because of which the utilization of cable for space charge density monitoring system is of inconvenience. Compared with the traditional communication network, wireless sensor network (WSN) shows advantages in small volume, high flexibility and strong self-organization, thereby presenting great potential in solving the problem. Additionally, WSN is more suitable for the construction of distributed space charge density monitoring system as it has longer distance and higher mobility. A distributed wireless system is designed for collecting and monitoring the space charge density under HVDC transmission lines, which has been widely applied in both Chinese state grid HVDC test base and power transmission projects. Experimental results of the measuring system demonstrated its adaptability in the complex electromagnetic environment under the transmission lines and the ability in realizing accurate, flexible, and stable demands for the measurement of space charge density.

A Comprehensive Analysis and Hardware Implementation of Control Strategies for High Output Voltage DC-DC Boost Power Converter

Classical DC-DC converters used in high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems, lack in terms of efficiency, reduced transfer gain and increased cost with sensor (voltage/current) numbers. Besides, the internal self-parasitic behavior of the power components reduces the output voltage and efficiency of classical HV converters. This paper deals with extra high-voltage (EHV) dc-dc boost converter by the application of voltage-lift technique to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies. The control strategy is based on classical proportional-integral (P-I) and fuzzy logic closed-loop controller to get high and stable output voltage. Complete hardware prototype of EHV is implemented and experimental tasks are carried out with digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F2812. The control algorithms P-I, fuzzy logic and the pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals for N-channel MOSFET device are performed by the DSP. The experimental results provided show good conformity with developed hypothetical predictions. Additionally, the presented study confirms that the fuzzy logic controller provides better performance than classical P-I controller under different perturbation conditions.

Electrical Conduction Characteristics of Low Density Polyethylene and Cross Linked Polyethylene Nanocomposite for High Voltage Direct Current Power Cable

Electrical Conduction Characteristics of Low Density Polyethylene and Cross Linked Polyethylene Nanocomposite for High Voltage Direct Current Power Cable