Fault current testing envelopes for VSC HVDC circuit breakers. Issue 6 (1st April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cwikowski, Oliver; Chang, Bin; Barnes, Mike; Shuttleworth, Roger; Beddard, Antony
• Is Part Of: IET generation, transmission & distribution. Volume 10:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 1393
• Page End: 1400
• Publication Date: 2016-04-01
• Subjects: HVDC power convertors -- circuit breakers -- fault currents -- power grids -- HVDC power transmission -- power transmission economics -- power transmission reliability -- power transmission protection; fault current testing envelope -- VSC HVDC circuit breaker -- high voltage direct current applications -- HVDC transmission grid development -- HVDC circuit breaker prototype development -- HVDC circuit breaker installation -- direct testing envelope -- synthetic test circuit -- fault current encapsulation -- voltage source converter -- HVDC breaker test circuit -- power system fault condition -- power system protection operation time estimation; Electric power production -- Periodicals; Electric power transmission -- Periodicals; Electric power distribution -- Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2015.0863
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8687

Abstract

Abstract : Circuit breakers for high voltage direct current (HVDC) applications are seen as a required technological step in the development of HVDC grids. The development of several new HVDC circuit breaker prototypes indicate that this step may be achieved in the years to come. In order to facilitate the installation of HVDC circuit breakers, appropriate standards and tests need to be developed. These tests and standards must ensure that the technology is capable of functioning as required. In cases where direct testing cannot be carried out, a synthetic test circuit is used to recreate the conditions of the power system. Testing envelopes which encapsulate the fault currents for two types of voltage source converter under fault conditions are analytically derived in this study and compared with simulations. Testing envelopes allow specifications for HVDC breaker test circuits to be defined. Discussion is also given to the worst type of fault and protection operation time estimates.