A Novel Transient Analysis of Multiterminal VSC‐HVDC System Incorporating Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

Abstract

Power transmission using a voltage source converter‐ (VSC‐) based high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) system offers autonomous control of real and reactive power, constant DC voltage polarity, and bidirectional power flow. This helps to realize the multiterminal VSC‐HVDC system and its integration into renewable energy sources to meet the growing power demand. However, there is a risk of higher voltages and currents during a DC line fault. The barrier to the advancements of VSC‐MTDC systems is the nonavailability of commercial, higher‐rated DC circuit breakers. This necessitates research on alternative methods of DC fault‐clearing schemes with available technologies. In this direction, a superconducting fault current limiter (SCFCL) is an alternative option to mitigate the problems encountered in VSC‐MTDC system operation. Because of this, there are not many VSC‐MTDC systems available worldwide. This paper discusses different issues associated with the transient performance of the VSC‐MTDC system. A representative case involving resistive SCFCL for DC line protection is presented. The simulations are carried out in the PSCAD/EMTDC platform.