Studies of commutation failures in hybrid LCC/MMC HVDC systems

Abstract

A hybrid of line commutated converters (LCCs) and modular multi-level converters (MMCs) can provide the advantages of both the technologies. However, the commutation failure still exists if the LCC operates as an inverter in a hybrid LCC/MMC system. In this paper, the system behavior during a commutation failure is investigated. Both half- bridge and full-bridge MMCs are considered. Control strategies are examined through simulations conducted in PSCAD/ EMTDC. Additionally, commutation failure protection strategies for multi-terminal hybrid LCC/MMC systems with AC and DC circuit breakers are studied. This paper can contribute to the protection design of future hybrid LCC/MMC systems against commutation failures.

Keywords

• LCC HVDC
• MMC HVDC
• Modular multilevel converter
• Hybrid LCC/MMC
• Commutation failure
• multi-terminal DC