A Fault Detection Scheme in MTDC Systems Using a Superconducting Fault Current Limiter
Guangyang Zhou, Minxiao Han, Shaahin Filizadeh, Zhi Geng, Xiahui Zhang
Abstract
This article proposes a fault detection scheme for modular multilevel converter-based multiterminal dc (MMC-MTdc) girds based upon a resistive-type superconducting fault current limiter (RSFCL). By analyzing the characteristics of the currents through the faulted and healthy lines in an MMC-MTdc system, the theoretical foundations of the scheme are established. This yields a fault detection scheme with fault identification, fault pole discrimination, and high-resistance tolerance abilities. Extensive simulations confirm that the proposed detection scheme can identify the metallic short circuit fault within 1 ms, with the ability to promptly detect faults with high resistance in less than 3 ms taking the communication delay into consideration. This method does not cause any mal-operation of dc circuit breakers as a result of faults on adjacent lines and power order changes. The proposed scheme has immunity to noise and provides full-length protection of the protected transmission line. Simulation results show significant suppression of both the amplitude and the rate-of-rise of the fault current during the fault detection process, which enhance the reliability and stability of the protected grid.