Hybrid Analytical--EMT Method for HVDC Protection System Component-Level Design

Abstract

Protection system design for multi-terminal HVDC grids is challenging due to the complexity of the system and the often conflicting design requirements. Effective specification of protection component parameters (e.g., DC circuit breakers and series DC inductors) during component-level design is crucial due to interdependencies among components, the need for detailed modeling, and the complex interactions between the protection system and converter control systems. Both analytical and simulation-based approaches have been proposed as solutions for component-level design. However, analytical methods may not accurately represent system behavior given that approximation is necessary, and simulation-based approaches often require extensive computational effort and time. Therefore, this paper presents an efficient systematic design method, combining both approaches. First, a fundamental analytical solution is derived to consider the protection system requirements. Then, a hybrid analytical--EMT methodology is proposed to accelerate convergence toward the required design parameters, after which detailed models are applied to ensure accuracy in design and validation. The approach is applicable to component-level design for both fully and partially selective protection strategies in HVDC grids.