High Voltage Direct Current System Research Articles

Getting Ready for Multi-Vendor and Multi-Terminal HVDC Technology

Interoperable multi-vendor High-Voltage Direct-Current (HVDC) grids are a key enabler for the integration of renewable energy (in particular offshore wind) and its transmission over longer distances to consumers. However, most HVDC systems today are single-vendor and point-to-point. Various technical and non-technical aspects need to be considered, for example, (real-time) testing, legal aspects (intellectual property and regulation), and the multi-vendor interoperability process. This paper presents findings from the READY4DC project, which is a larger and open European effort involving diverse stakeholders, including HVDC manufacturers, transmission system operators, wind developers, academia, and research institutes. It summarizes key technical recommendations, emphasizing comprehensive interaction studies and the development of a structured legal framework to facilitate the development and operation of a multi-vendor, multi-terminal HVDC grid. The READY4DC project highlights the need for increased harmonization, transparent communication among stakeholders, and future-oriented research to ensure the robustness and interoperability of interconnected grids. Collaborative efforts are key for addressing technical complexities and advancing the deployment of multi-vendor multi-terminal HVDC technology.

Experimental and Simulation Studies on Stable Polarity Reversal in Aged HVDC Mass-Impregnated Cables

Mass-impregnated (MI) cables have been used for many years as cables in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. In line commutated converter (LCC) HVDC systems, polarity reversal for power flow control can induce significant electrical stress on MI cables. Furthermore, the mass oil and kraft paper comprising the impregnated insulation have significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion. Load fluctuations in the cable lead to expansion and contraction of the mass, creating pressure within the insulation and causing redistribution of the impregnant. During this process, shrinkage cavities can form within the butt gaps. Since the dielectric strength of the cavities is lower than that of the surrounding impregnation, cavitation phenomena in impregnated paper insulation are considered a factor in degrading insulation performance. Consequently, this study analyzes the electrical conductivity of thermally aged materials and investigates the transient electric field characteristics within the cable. Additionally, it closely analyzes the formation and dissolution of cavities in MI cables during polarity reversal based on a numerical model of pressure behavior in porous media. The conductivity of the impregnated paper indicates that it has excellent resistance to thermal degradation. Simulation results for various load conditions highlight that the interval of load-off time and the magnitude of internal pressure significantly influence the cavitation phenomenon. Lastly, the study proposes stable system operation methods to prevent cavitation in MI cables.

An Improved Suppression Method of AC Transient Overvoltage for Line Commuted Converter Based High Voltage Direct Current Considering AC-DC System Coupling

Commutation failures in line commuted converter-based high voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) transmission systems leads to an increase in the converter bus voltage of the rectifier station, thus resulting in AC transient overvoltage in the sending-end grid. The transient overvoltage could lead to the disconnection of renewable energy generation and threaten the stable operation of the sending-end grid. However, the influences of the coupling between AC and DC systems caused by the interaction between the active and reactive power of the sending-end grid, the AC bus voltage of the rectifier station, and the DC current are ignored. The AC transient overvoltage cannot be accurately suppressed. Therefore, in this study, the transient voltage characteristics of the rectifier station under a commutation failure of the inverter station are analyzed. The influence of LCC-HVDC control on the AC bus voltage of a rectifier station through the active and reactive power of the rectifier station is analyzed. A dynamic model of the AC bus voltage of a rectifier station under an AC-DC system coupling is established. The calculation method of the command value of the DC current of the rectifier station is proposed by a predictive control model, and an improved suppression method for AC transient overvoltage is proposed. The case studies show that the accuracy and effectiveness of the suppression of AC transient overvoltage are improved by considering the coupling between AC and DC systems.

Research on Fault Identification of Hybrid Multi-Feed High-Voltage Direct Current System Based on Line Commutated Converter and Voltage Source Converter

With the rapid development of voltage source converter (VSC) and line commutated converter (LCC) technology and the relative concentration of power and load, the inverter station of the flexible DC system is fed into the same AC bus with the conventional DC rectifier station, and the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) parallel hybrid feed system is formed in structure. As the electrical distance between the converter stations is very close, when a fault occurs in the near area, the current on the AC wiring on the VSC side will fluctuate greatly, resulting in the misoperation of the AC wiring protection. For this reason, this paper proposes a fault identification method based on VSC/LCC hybrid multi-fed HVDC system, which discriminates the fault and outputs the protection signal according to the protection criterion, and logically judges the combination of the output protection signal to identify the fault type. The simulation results show that the method can identify all kinds of faults of hybrid multi-feed DC system and solve the problem of protection misoperation of the hybrid multi-feed DC system.

A chaos game optimization algorithm-based optimal control strategy for performance enhancement of offshore wind farms

This paper presents a novel application of the chaos game optimization (CGO) algorithm to optimally design PI controllers for power electronic interface circuits of offshore wind farms (OWF) consisting of a permanent magnet synchronous generator powered by a variable-speed wind turbine. The OWF is linked to the network via a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system. The CGO metaheuristic method is employed to fine-tune voltage source converter (VSC)-based HVDC transmission systems’ proportional-integral controller gains. The study explores multiple strategies to extract the highest power from the system while ensuring stability under symmetrical and unsymmetrical fault conditions. The CGO algorithm consistently yields superior results to other algorithms, improving system regaining and stability post disturbances. Consequently, the technique enhances the dynamic and transient stability of the OWF. The detailed study is implemented using MATLAB/Simulink.

Review paper on multilevel converters topology for VSC-based HVDC transmission system connected offshore wind power plant

This review paper offers a comprehensive analysis of multilevel converters (MLCs) within Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems, focusing on their integration with offshore wind power plants. Through an exhaustive exploration, the paper investigates various MLC configurations and control strategies, assessing their potential to enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of offshore wind energy integration into the power grid. By examining the intricate interplay between MLCs, VSC-based HVDC systems, and offshore wind power plants, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of renewable energy integration technologies. Key topics covered include an overview of offshore wind power generation, the significance of HVDC transmission for offshore wind farms, and the role of MLCs in overcoming integration barriers. Furthermore, the paper delves into control strategies, performance evaluation metrics, and future perspectives and challenges. Through its in-depth analysis, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential of MLCs in advancing the efficiency and reliability of VSC-based HVDC systems, ultimately facilitating the seamless integration of offshore wind energy into the broader power grid.

Transient characteristics and protection coordination strategy of hybrid AC / DC system based on modular multilevel converters under AC/DC transmission lines touching fault

Rapid development of hybrid AC/DC transmission systems has increased the probability of the touching faults between AC and DC overhead lines. The mechanism of coupling interaction is so complex that the adaptability of the existing hybrid system protection is affected. Previous studies mainly focus on the line-commutated converter based high-voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) system and AC system, this paper concentrates on the fault coupling characteristics analysis and coordination protection of modular multilevel converter based on high voltage direct current(MMC-HVDC) and AC transmission systems. The analytical expressions of fault current are deduced under the different operating states of the converters and the valve-side AC circuit breaker. Subsequently, the fault current coupling characteristics and generation mechanism are revealed. On this basis, the adaptability of existing hybrid system protection is assessed. Further, by comparing and analyzing the influence and risk of mal-operation of AC transmission line protection, the coordination reclosing protection strategies for hybrid system is proposed. Finally, the simulation tests were carried out based on PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results show that the proposed coordination of AC and MMC-HVDC system reclosing strategy is effective for improving the reliability of hybrid system.

Overvoltage Suppression Strategy of LCC-HVDC Delivery System Based on Hydropower Phase Control Participation

In a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system, commutation failure at the receiving end may lead to transient overvoltage at the sending end converter bus of the weak alterative current (AC) system. Firstly, the principle calculation method of overvoltage generation at the sending end after commutation failure is analyzed. Combined with the output characteristics of the hydroelectric excitation system, a coordinated control strategy for hydroelectric and DC systems is proposed. Since the voltage and current values at the DC outlet of the rectifier side change first after a fault occurs at the receiving end, the relationship equation between DC voltage and AC bus voltage is derived and it is used as an input signal to construct additional excitation control for hydropower stations. The proposed strategy is verified by establishing a simulation hydrogen–wind–solar model bundled via a DC sending system in PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results illustrate that the transient overvoltage suppression rates are all more than 35%, and the maximum is 38.53%. The proposed strategy can reduce the overvoltage by 0.126 p.u. compared with the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) standard control strategy.

A novel linear regression density peak clustering‐based transmission line protection for line‐commuted converter‐voltage source converter hybrid high voltage direct current system

AbstractLine‐commuted converter (LCC)–voltage source converter (VSC) hybrid high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system is an innovative technology, the existing LCC and VSC protection require setting, and it is difficult to be directly applied in the LCC–VSC hybrid HVDC, which is a serious problem in practical engineering. A novel linear regression density peak clustering (LRDPC) approach is introduced for transmission line protection. LRDPC employs Least Squares linear regression to compute the fault current slope, followed by density peak clustering for fault type identification. The proposed protection structure is straightforward and setting‐less, eliminating the need for fault pole selection elements and classification thresholds. Validation on the Kun‐Liu‐Long LCC–VSC HVDC RTDS system demonstrates the method's effectiveness in identifying diverse faults under varying conditions, including fault types, locations, resistances, and signal‐to‐noise ratios. Notably, it remains robust against fault impedance (600 Ω) and noise interference (20 dB).

Stability and control of VSC-based HVDC systems: A systematic review

The technological development in the area of power electronics has paved the way for the construction of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems. The utilization of HVDC grids alongside conventional High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) grids poses several challenges, especially, from stability and control points of view. Indeed, moving towards such systems in the context of conventional Alternating Current (AC) power systems cannot be possible without ensuring the overall stability of hybrid HVAC/HVDC grids. This paper analyzes different aspects of the stability of Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based HVDC grids and presents various methods of improving stability based on a systematic and comprehensive review. In addition, this paper provides a concise classification of various control methods to improve the operation of such grids and the advantages of each method.

An Improved Fault Localization Method for Direct Current Filters in HVDC Systems: Development and Application of the DRNCNN Model

This paper focus on direct current (DC) filter grounding faults to propose a novel dilated normalized residual convolutional neural network (DRNCNN) fault diagnosis model for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. To address the insufficiency of the traditional model’s receptive field in dealing with high-dimensional and nonlinear data, this paper incorporates dilated convolution and batch normalization (BN), significantly enhancing the CNN’s capability to capture complex spatial features. Furthermore, this paper integrates residual connections and parameter rectified linear units (PReLU) to optimize gradient propagation and mitigate the issue of gradient vanishing during training. These innovative improvements, embodied in the DRNCNN model, substantially increase the accuracy of fault detection, achieving a diagnostic accuracy rate of 99.28%.

Fault Detection and VSC-HVDC Network Dynamics Analysis for the Faults in Its Host AC Networks

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission is preferred over high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) for long power lines for asynchronous power grid interconnection and high-level renewable energy integration. The control and protection functions associated with HVDC systems help with fast and secure clearance of faults. The control and protection challenges in the embedded HVDC network are of great concern for the stable and secure operation of an HVDC network. The DC fault current may reach an extremely high level in a rather short period because of the low impedance in a DC system, which is dangerous for converters, and disturbances in the AC network directly influence the performance of the HVDC system. Sometimes, faults on the AC side may lead to disconnection or failure of the DC link, causing reliability problems as well as huge economic losses. AC and DC protection solutions are being developed for HVDC systems to enhance their sustainability and reliability. As such, AC and DC faults should be detected and cleared at a faster rate. Therefore, in this article, the feasibility of the synchro-squeezed transform (SST) is analyzed for detection purposes. For more accurate and faster detection, the signal is first decomposed using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique, and then the SST is applied. A discrete Teager energy (DTE) spectrum is obtained with the processed signal, which works as the detection index. The algorithm shows low sampling frequency requirements, with higher efficiency and reliability for the purpose. PSCAD/EMTDC version 4.6 software and MATLAB 2022a software is used for the modeling and simulation.

Cooperative control of the DC-link voltage in VSC-MTDC grid via virtual synchronous generators

Introduction: Virtual Synchronous Generators (VSGs) are used in Voltage Source Converter-based Multi-Terminal High-Voltage Direct Current (VSC-MTDC) systems to enhance power system stability. However, the MTDC framework can lead to instability due to reduced inertia in certain grid areas, especially during load switching at VSC stations. This instability is exacerbated by untimely adjustments of the VSG's power setpoint, leading to voltage and frequency oscillations.Methods: This study introduces a cooperative control approach for the DC voltage of the VSG, employing a consensus algorithm and Model Predictive Control (MPC). This method aims to achieve incremental power for the VSG and provide interactive power commands for both the grid side and the wind farm side. The consensus algorithm ensures coherent system adjustments, while the MPC algorithm tracks DC-side voltage changes in real time.Results: The application of this cooperative control approach significantly enhances DC voltage regulation performance. It effectively reduces the extent of frequency drops and mitigates secondary frequency drop (SFD) issues, particularly those arising from the use of wind farms for frequency regulation and the associated speed recovery in wind turbine units.Discussion: The increase in supplemental power effectively utilizes the energy stored in DC-side capacitors for power balance regulation and introduces additional inertial power into the system. Electromagnetic transient simulations have confirmed the effectiveness of the Consensus MPC-VSG method, demonstrating its ability to optimize the dynamic performance of VSC-MTDC systems and promote stability in DC voltage and frequency.Conclusion: The findings suggest that employing the Consensus MPC-VSG method offers a promising solution for enhancing the stability and operational efficiency of VSC-MTDC systems, addressing the challenges posed by the inherent segmentation of the grid and the integration of renewable energy sources like wind farms.

The Strategy of Continuous Commutation Failure Suppression by Combining Turn-off Angle Compensation and Dynamic Nonlinear VDCOL

In recent years, with the continuous growth in China’s economy, the continuous advancement of urbanization and industrialization, the contradiction between rapid economic development and the continuous reduction in traditional fossil energy reserves such as coal, oil, and natural gas, the continuous aggravation of environmental pollution has become increasingly prominent. In this era, clean energy power generation technologies such as hydropower, wind power, and solar power generation, which have the advantages of renewability, environmental protection, and economy, have developed rapidly. However, wind and photovoltaic power plants are often located in remote areas, which means significant losses in the transmission process. High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission technology becomes the best choice to solve this problem. The HVDC transmission system based on a grid commutator is widely used in China’s AC-DC hybrid power grid. When an AC fault occurs on the inverter side, the line-commutated converter high-voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) system is more prone to continuous commutation failure, which brings serious harm to system operation. To better suppress the problem of continuous commutation failure on the contravariant side, this paper analyzes the mechanism of continuous commutation failure from multiple angles. The DC current command sensitivity of a voltage-dependent current order limiter (VDCOL) in the LCC-HVDC system is low, which will lead to different degrees of continuous commutation failure. In addition, the rapid rise in DC current and the drop in commutation voltage during the fault will cause the turn-off angle to drop, and the probability of continuous commutation failure of the system will increase significantly. Based on the above theoretical analysis, a new control strategy combining the dynamic compensation of the turn-off angle of a virtual inductor and the suppression of continuous commutation failure by dynamic nonlinear VDCOL is proposed. A dynamic nonlinear VDCOL control strategy is proposed for the low sensitivity of current command adjustment under conventional VDCOL control. Secondly, two concepts of virtual inductance and DC current change rate are introduced, and a control strategy based on virtual inductance is proposed to comprehensively ensure that the switching angle has sufficient commutation margin during fault recovery. Finally, based on the CIGRE standard test model in PSCAD/EMTDC, the accuracy of the correlation mechanism analysis and the effectiveness of the suppression method are verified.

Sub-Synchronous Oscillation Constrained Communication-Free Grid Frequency Control of Offshore Wind Farm Linked HVDC System

This paper proposes a frequency control method of a voltage source converter (VSC) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system for large-scale offshore wind farms (OWFs) integration into an AC grid. Without frequency control, power output of OWFs varies with the wind velocity and it causes a grid frequency fluctuation. This fluctuation on the AC grid is becoming more severe as the level of wind power penetration increases. The previously suggested communication-free controls are vulnerable to continuously changing frequency fluctuations owing to concerns about its excessive energy releases. Therefore, our proposed control enables OWFs with HVDC to participate in grid frequency regulation continuously by considering its energy state when AC grid frequency fluctuates. In addition, there is a concern about sub-synchronous oscillation (SSO) instability owing to its cascading frequency control structure. A simplified small-signal model is developed to reveal out the existence of these SSO problems and its main factors in the frequency control scheme. Using developed model, overall system stability is comprehensively investigated. Also, a damping controller to mitigate SSO instability is also suggested and validated through simulation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of overall proposed frequency control, time-domain simulations were also carried out utilizing PSCAD/EMTDC under varying wind velocity condition.

Reactive power capacity allocation technology of shore‐based power supply system of offshore oil production platform under different network topology reliability measures

AbstractTo improve the economy of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power transmission mode, the reactive power capacity allocation technology of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power supply system based on different network topology reliability measures was proposed. The optimization model of power supply system network topology and the structure model of voltage source converter high voltage direct current transmission system were established, the start and stop control scheme of flexible direct current (DC) transmission system was designed, and the operation parameters of converter station and DC line were monitored in real time. The topological structure of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power supply system is constructed, the mathematical model of flexible DC transmission system is established when the alternating current side voltage is balanced, the reactive power capacity configuration of offshore oil production platform shore‐based power supply system is optimized, and the life cycle cost results are calculated. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can obtain the optimal solution only after 26 calculations, with high optimization efficiency and good convergence effect. Reactive capacity configuration of shore‐based power supply system for offshore production platform can reduce failure rate and life cycle cost.

Multi-modular bridge-type FCL for enhancing FRT capability of VSC-HVDC connected offshore wind plants during AC faults

This paper presents a novel concept Multi-Modular Bridge-Type Fault Current Limiter (MMBFCL) for enhancing the fault ride-through (FRT) capability in Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based High-Voltage Direct-Current (HVDC) systems. The MMBFCL can be directly connected to HVDC system in ac grid side without series connection of semiconductor switches and series injection transformers. Also, the limiting resistor of each module is determined based on binary arrangements to provide a multi-step insertion resistor BFCL to limit the fault current and enhance the FRT capability under different voltage sag levels. The principle operation and control system of the MMBFCL is described. Then, the performance of the MMBFCL for enhancing the FRT is validated through time domain simulations by PSCAD/EMTDC software in a HVDC integrated wind farm system. Also, the performance of the MMBFCL is compared with the single-modular BFCL (SMBFCL). Simulation results reveal that the MMBFCL compensate the voltage sag for each voltage sag levels without any over voltage at the HVDC terminal. Also, it has superior performance than SMBFCL.

The Influence of Additional Virtual Synchronous Generator Technology in VSC-MTDC Systems with Wind Power on System Frequency

Introduction: A frequency control strategy is proposed based on additional virtual synchronous generator technology for voltage source converter-based multi-terminal high voltage direct current systems with wind power. Method: This strategy addresses the system's inertia reduction and frequency stability issues caused by integrating large amounts of wind power through multi-terminal DC transmission. Firstly, the virtual synchronous generator mathematical model is constructed based on the system structure. Secondly, for the problem of zero rotational inertia of voltage source converter in a flexible DC transmission system, based on the P-U droop control method of the converter station, additional virtual synchronous control generation technology is applied to simulate the P-f droop characteristics of the synchronous generator by adding virtual rotational inertia, so that the converter has the inertial response of synchronous generator to realize primary frequency regulation. Result: Finally, the simulation is verified on the PSCAD/ EMTDC platform with an example of a three-terminal parallel MTDC transmission system. Conclusion: the analyzed results demonstrate that the virtual synchronous generator control strategy is very valuable and useful for improving the frequency performance of the system.

Strategy for Suppressing Commutation Failures in High-Voltage Direct Current Inverter Station Based on Transient Overvoltage

Commutation failures in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems often occur within inverter stations, posing challenges to the safe and consistent operation of HVDC transmission projects. This paper examines data gathered from a wide-spectrum transient electromagnetic voltage monitoring apparatus. The findings uncover a notable correlation between transient AC bus voltage disturbances, stemming from faults, and the occurrence of commutation failures in HVDC transmission systems. Leveraging this correlation, we propose a commutation failure mitigation strategy for HVDC systems centered around AC bus voltage disturbances within inverter stations. Through fault validation simulations conducted across three HVDC transmission systems, our strategy demonstrates effective suppression of commutation failure incidents within HVDC transmission projects.

Structural Characterization of LLDPE/MgO Insulation Composites in Terms of Space Charge Accumulation in an HVDC Field

This study addresses the critical role of insulation materials in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, emphasizing the challenges associated with space charge accumulation and slow polarization effects. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the utilization of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) in High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) applications, with a focus on enhancing its performance through the incorporation of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. The research employs various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, broadband dielectric spectroscopy, conductivity measurements and pulse electroacoustic measurements, to analyse the internal structure, crystallinity, and space charge dynamics of LLDPE/MgO nanocomposites. The results demonstrate that controlled MgO incorporation optimizes the internal electric field, improving the electrical properties without significantly altering the charge decay rate. The multidimensional approach of the study provides valuable insights into tailored modification of insulation materials for enhanced HVDC transmission performance, considering both electrical and structural aspects.