Two-Terminal Modal Traveling Wave-Based Fault Location Method for HVDC Systems

Abstract

This paper presents the performance evaluation of a two-terminal fault location method based on aerial and ground mode traveling waves applied to the Madeira River Bipole 1. The above mentioned High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system was modeled and simulated using the Alternative Transients Program (ATP). The method accuracy was evaluated through pole-to-ground fault scenarios for different fault positions and fault resistances. The obtained results reveal that the evaluated fault location method presents errors smaller than a conventional tower span (≈ 300 m). Also, in cases of uncertainties in line parameters, the method kept the same performance, since it is independent of the propagation velocities and line length.