Performance Evaluation of Distance Relay in the Presence of Voltage Source Converters-Based HVDC Systems

Abstract

Voltage source converters (VSC)-based high voltage direct current (HVDC) link is an economical option for the long distance bulk power transmission, and it can be used to interconnect the offshore wind farms with an AC grid. Due to the penetration of VSC-HVDC system into the AC grid, the performance of the distance relay gets affected when a transmission line close to the point of common coupling (PCC) subjected to power system disturbances. In such condition, the PCC voltage is increased due to the VSC-HVDC control action, that causes the Zone-2 fault can be seen as a Zone-3 fault. As a result, the miscoordination of Zone-2 protection can occur in the distance relays. This paper presents both the analytical and simulation studies carried out on a VSC-HVDC system influence on the distance relay performance under fault conditions using PSCAD/EMTDC. Simulation results show that the presence of VSC-HVDC system greatly affects the performance of the Zone-2 and Zone-3 relay in an AC transmission line. Besides, the maloperation of the Zone-2 and Zone-3 relay is mitigated by varying the AC voltage reference input of the decoupled d-q controller of VSC-HVDC. Also, the effect of fault resistance on Zone-1 ground relay performance is analyzed. © 2019, The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers.