Technical Assessment of Hybrid HVDC Circuit Breaker Components under M-HVDC Faults

Abstract

One of the technical challenges that needs to be addressed for the future of the multi-terminal high voltage direct current (M-HVDC) grid is DC fault isolation. In this regard, HVDC circuit breakers (DCCBs), particularly hybrid circuit breakers (H-DCCBs), are paramount. The H-DCCB, proposed by the ABB, has the potential to ensure a reliable and safer grid operation, mainly due to its millisecond-level current interruption capability and lower on-state losses as compared to electromechanical and solid-state based DCCBs. This paper aims to study and evaluate the operational parameters, e.g., electrical, and thermal stresses on the IGBT valves and energy absorbed by the surge arrestors within H-DCCB during different DC fault scenarios. A comprehensive set of modeling requirements matching with operational conditions are developed. A meshed four-terminal HVDC test bench consisting of twelve H-DCCBs is designed in PSCAD/EMTDC to study the impacts of the M-HVDC grid on the operational parameters of H-DCCB. Thus, the system under study is tested for different current interruption scenarios under a (i) low impedance fault current and (ii) high impedance fault current. Both grid-level and self-level protection strategies are implemented for each type of DC fault.

Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of HVDC Development in Pakistan: A Scientometric Analysis Based Comprehensive Review

“…Also, the Overload capability of power electronic devices is limited, and traditional relays are not appropriate for HVDC transmission line protection [99]. Lastly, the absence of fast-acting, low-loss HVDC circuit breakers also challenge HVDC grid protection [100].…”

Multisegmented Intelligent Solution for MT-HVDC Grid Protection

“…Additionally, the results support the claim that the suggested method is more accurate and robust than BPNN. To realistically test the proposed ANN-based multiple time window segment relay protection strategy, a hybrid (H)-DCCB model as proposed by [37] was utilized in the test system. The aim was to detect and isolate the fault within a few milliseconds of its inception to avoid system downtime.…”

“…The specifications of the H-DCCB were altered as per MTDC grid specifications. Additionally, the self-level tripping mechanism of the breaker, as discussed in [37], was deactivated to subject the breaker components, i.e., IGBT valves and metal oxide surge arrestor (MOSA), to maximum fault stress during the required time window.…”

Nonlinear Control Design of Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped-Based High-Voltage Direct Current Systems for Enhanced Availability during AC Faults with Semi-Experimental Validation

“…Voltage sags, stemming from short-circuit faults, can lead to undesirable fluctuations in the DC link voltage of converter-based HVDC systems [9,10]. Such fluctuations not only endanger the system's stability but also have the potential to induce a reversed power flow, ultimately tripping VSC-HVDC transmission systems [11,12].…”