Controllable Commutation Inductor for HVDC Inverter Failure Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing commutation technologies for inverter systems, particularly in large size wind farm HVDC transmission, face commutation failure issues that complicate the converter valve structure, increase costs, and pose technical challenges due to the need for complex modifications and additional components.

Innovation Solution

A commutation device utilizing a controllable commutation inductor with a three-phase semi-bridge structure, where a switch-controlled inductor is integrated with the converter transformer and inverter, allowing for reduced leakage inductance and increased turn-off angle during commutation failure, without altering the thyristor valve structure, and is coordinated with a control and protection system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If forced commutation technology is used with charge and discharge circuit and auxiliary bridge arm, then commutation failure can be addressed, but converter valve structure becomes greatly changed and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommutation failure preventionVSAvoidconverter valve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the complex charge and discharge circuit and auxiliary bridge arm from the converter valve structure, retaining only the essential commutation inductor element. This simplifies the overall structure while maintaining commutation failure prevention capability through the controllable commutation inductor alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a controllable switch (IGBT) in parallel with the commutation inductor, enabling dynamic control of the inductor's effectiveness. During normal operation, the switch is off and the inductor is active; during commutation failure, the switch turns on to short the inductor, dynamically adjusting the system response without requiring complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If forced commutation technology with auxiliary components is implemented, then commutation reliability improves, but implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommutation reliabilityVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the expensive auxiliary components (charge and discharge circuits, auxiliary bridge arms) from the system, retaining only the essential commutation inductor and a controllable switch. This extraction of unnecessary components significantly reduces implementation cost while maintaining commutation reliability through the simplified controllable commutation inductor approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If traditional commutation device is used, then structure is simple, but commutation angle is large and turn-off angle is reduced during commutation failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommutation device structureVSAvoidturn-off angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the commutation inductor controllable through a parallel IGBT switch, enabling dynamic adjustment of its effect. During commutation failure, the switch turns on to short the inductor, rapidly reducing the commutation angle and increasing the turn-off angle to restore reliable operation, all while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances commutation properties, reduces costs, and simplifies engineering implementation by maintaining the original valve structure, while providing flexible control and minimizing direct current system disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

the leakage inductance value of the commutation inductor can be reduced, the commutation angle is reduced, and the turn-off angle is increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Data Source

PatentEP3073598B1Commutation apparatus based on controllable commutation inductor, and implementation method therefor
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA
  • EP3073598B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3073598B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3073598B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A commutation apparatus based on a controllable commutation inductor (3), and an implementation method therefor. The commutation apparatus uses a three-phase half-bridge structure. The three-phase half-bridge structure consists of serially connected commutation units. Each of the commutation units comprises a converter transformer and a converter inverter (2). A commutation inductor is serially connected between the valve side of the converter transformer and the converter inverter. A controllable inductor in the commutation inductor is used together with a control protection system in a converter station. When the converter station normally operates, a switch is turned off, and the controllable inductor is comprised in the commutation inductor; when the control protection system in the converter station detects a commutation failure, the switch is turned on, so that a leakage inductance value of the commutation inductor is lowered, the commutation angle is reduced, and the turn-off angle is increased. The commutation apparatus improves a commutation feature of a converter valve on an inverter side when a commutation failure occurs, and the commutation apparatus has the advantages of requiring less elements, is easy to implement, and requiring low cost.