Voltage Source Converter Fault Positioning via Zero Sequence Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

In transformerless voltage source converter systems, accurately positioning faults caused by zero sequence voltages is challenging, leading to unbalanced AC voltages across multiple stations, which affects the normal operation of non-faulty stations and hinders the adoption of transformerless connections due to increased space, loss, and cost requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for fault positioning and recovery that locks converter stations when zero sequence voltages are detected, allowing for the identification of faulty stations by monitoring AC and DC voltages, and enables rapid recovery by isolating the faulty station from non-faulty ones, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the impact of faulty stations on the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If transformerless connection is used to reduce space, loss, and cost, then manufacturing cost and occupied space are reduced, but fault positioning accuracy deteriorates due to zero sequence voltage transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfault positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by detecting zero sequence voltage at both terminals of the DC transmission line. This intermediary detection method allows indirect identification of the faulty station through voltage comparison, resolving the fault positioning accuracy issue while maintaining the transformerless connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from phase voltage to zero sequence voltage. By monitoring the zero sequence voltage component (U0) at both terminals and comparing its magnitude, the system can accurately identify the faulty station. This parameter change enables fault positioning without requiring transformers, thus reducing cost and space while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If transformerless connection is used to reduce occupied space, then space requirement is reduced, but system reliability deteriorates due to unbalanced voltage propagation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupied spaceVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the DC transmission system into two independent terminals (sending end and receiving end) with independent zero sequence voltage detection capabilities. This segmentation allows each terminal to independently identify faults, preventing unbalanced voltage propagation and maintaining system reliability while using transformerless connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where zero sequence voltage detection results from both terminals are continuously monitored and compared. When a fault is detected at one terminal, the system provides feedback to lock that terminal and prevent further propagation, thereby maintaining system reliability without requiring transformers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional detection method is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but fault detection capability deteriorates due to inability to detect zero sequence voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfault detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control by implementing a locking mechanism on the DC side. When zero sequence voltage is detected, the system dynamically locks the converter at the faulty terminal, preventing further propagation of unbalanced voltage. This dynamic response enhances fault detection capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by detecting zero sequence voltage before significant unbalanced voltage propagation occurs. The system continuously monitors zero sequence voltage components and takes preventive action by locking the faulty terminal early in the fault process, thereby improving detection capability without adding complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3537556B1Method and system for fault locating and recovery of voltage source converter
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 NR ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3537556B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3537556B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3537556B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and system for fault positioning and recovery of a voltage source converter. The method comprises: locking a converter station when it is detected that an alternating-current voltage contains a zero sequence voltage or a direct-current voltage contains an unbalanced voltage; positioning a fault by continuing to detect the zero sequence voltage of an alternating-current side of the converter; and recovering the operation of each station after the fault is positioned. The method for fault positioning and recovery is simple and practical, has high reliability and can effectively detect the problems that each station contains a zero sequence voltage of an alternating-current side and cannot easily position a fault caused due to the fact that the zero sequence voltage of the alternating-current side is transmitted by a voltage source converter to an opposite-side alternating-current system; meanwhile, by means of the recovery method, a non-faulty converter station can get rid of the influences of a faulty converter station for rapid recovery, rapid recovery based on a voltage source converter station system is implemented, and the application of a transformerless wiring method in the voltage source converter can be promoted, thereby finally achieving that the occupied space of a converter station is reduced, losses are reduced, and manufacture costs are reduced.