Dimitrios Tzelepis

Single-Ended Differential Protection in MTDC Networks Using Optical Sensors

This paper presents a method for rapid detection of faults on voltage source converter multiterminal HVdc transmission networks using multipoint optical current sensing. The proposed method uses differential protection as a guiding principle, and is implemented using current measurements obtained from the optical current sensors distributed along the transmission line. Performance is assessed through detailed transient simulation using MATLAB/Simulink models, integrating inductive dc-line terminations, detailed dc circuit-breaker models, and a network of fiber-optic current sensors. Moreover, the feasibility and required performance of optical-based measurements is validated through laboratory testing. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed protection algorithm can effectively, and within very short period of time, discriminate between faults on the protected line (internal faults), and those occurring on adjacent lines or busbars (external faults). Hardware tests prove that the scheme can be achieved with the existing, available sensing technology.

Novel Fault Location in MTDC Grids With Non-Homogeneous Transmission Lines Utilizing Distributed Current Sensing Technology

This paper presents a new method for locating faults in multi-terminal direct current (MTDC) networks incorporating hybrid transmission media, including segments of underground cables and overhead lines. The proposed traveling wave type method uses continuous wavelet transform applied to a series of line current measurements obtained from a network of distributed optical sensors. The technical feasibility of optically-based dc current measurement is evaluated through laboratory experiments using Fiber–Bragg Grating sensors and other commercially available equipment. Simulation-based analysis has been used to assess the proposed technique under a variety of fault types and locations within an MTDC network. The proposed fault location scheme has been found to successfully identify the faulted segment of the transmission media as well as accurately estimating the fault position within the faulted segment. Systematic evaluation of the method is presented considering a wide range of fault resistances, mother wavelets, scaling factors, and noisy inputs. Additionally, the principle of the proposed fault location scheme has been practically validated by applying a series of laboratory test sets.

A predictive control strategy for mitigation of commutation failure in LCC-based HVDC systems

High-voltage direct-current (HVDC) systems are being widely employed in various applications because of their numerous advantages such as bulk power transmission, efficient long-distance transmission, and flexible power-flow control. However, line-commutated-converter-based HVDC systems suffer from commutation failure, which is a major drawback, leading to increased device stress and interruptions in transmitted power. This paper proposes a predictive control strategy, deploying a commutation failure prevention module to mitigate the commutation failures during ac system faults. The salient feature of the proposed strategy is that it has the ability to temporarily decrease the firing angle of thyristor valves depending on the fault intensity to ensure a sufficient commutation margin. In order to validate the performance of the proposed strategy, several simulations have been conducted on the CIGRE Benchmark HVDC model using PSCAD/EMTDC software. Additionally, practical performance and feasibility of the proposed strategy are evaluated through laboratory testing, using the real-time Opal-RT hardware prototyping platform. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can effectively inhibit the commutation failure or repetitive commutation failures under different fault types, fault impedances, and fault initiation times.

Assessment of fault location techniques in voltage source converter based HVDC systems

This paper investigates fault location techniques in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission networks utilizing voltage source converters (VSCs). The subject has been extensively researched due to the fault locating actions associated with the supply restoration and the economic loss, and also because of the trending employment of VSC-HVDC transmission systems. However, the fast operation of HVDC protection has made fault localization more challenging as limited measurement data can be extracted. By broadly researching the existing fault locating approaches in such systems, a comprehensive literature review is presented. Then, two selected methods, active impedance method and travelling wave method (using Continuous Wavelet Transformation) are tested. These fault location techniques together with the power system models have been developed using Matlab/Simulink. The results are summarized and systematic comparative analysis of the two fault location techniques is performed.