Post DC Fault Circulating Current Suppression Control

Abstract

The radial topology of the Multi-terminal High Voltage Direct Current (MTDC) power system is a preferred connection for the gigawatt- renewable power due to its scalability and reliability. However, a radial topology with a metallic return bipolar converter configuration MTDC network possesses technical challenges regarding DC fault current interruption and grid expansion. Furthermore, such HVDC networks are energized in a specific manner, usually involving a separate energizing controller. This paper proposes a design of DC Hubs with direct current circuit breakers (DCCBs) along with a network energization sequence without requiring a separate controller. Additionally, a PI-based controller for post-DC fault circulating current in MTDC's metallic return is proposed. This control operates after DCCB recloses, removing any offset in the metallic cable by regulating the power setpoint in the converters. The proposed control is investigated under a pole-to-ground fault occurrence in the DC Hub. The proposed solution is validated by RSCAD/RTDS^@ simulation by applying detailed and average equivalent models of turbines, DCCBs and converters. The results of this simulation show a successful suppression of the DC circulating current, which results in a balanced operation of the MMCs in the post fault steady state conditions.