Protection scheme for HVDC converters against DC side fault

Abstract

Improving the efficiency and operation of power transmission is important due to the continual increase in
demand for electric power. In addition, many remote areas throughout the world lack sufficient access to electricity.
Unfortunately, utilities cannot satisfy the high demand of power by building new power stations because of economic and
environmental reasons. However, utilities can increase generation and transmission line efficiencies by controlling the
power flow through their systems. One new attractive technology that enables the control of power flow in the system is
Voltage-Source- Converter High Voltage Direct Current (VSC-HVDC) transmission. The contemplated protection
scheme provides advantages, such as lower dv/dt stresses and lower voltage rating of thyristor switches in accumulation
to providing full segregation between the converter semiconductor devices and ac grid during dc-side faults. A
simulation case study has been carried out to reveals the effectiveness of the contemplated scheme.