Short circuit and grid protection behaviour of power electronic virtual synchronous machines
Research output: Contribution to conferences › Paper › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
The integration of renewable energy sources into electricity grids increases the use of power electronic feeders. To ensure reliable grid integration, control methods are being developed to give these devices characteristics similar to synchronous machines, known as virtual synchronous machines (VSMs). However, VSMs cannot fully replicate synchronous machine behaviour, particularly during faults. Overcurrent capability is significantly reduced, and current limiting algorithms protect the power electronics, often distorting the current waveform. At TU Dresden's Chair of Electrical Power Supply, a 220 kV physical network model enables short-circuit testing on a transmission line. This model includes three stations, a double-circuit transmission line, and various consumers and feeders. A VSM, connected via an isolating transformer, feeds into the grid. Short-circuit tests at various locations force the VSM into current limitation. Measurements of currents and voltages at the VSM terminals and transmission line were analysed to evaluate distance protection relay behaviour. The study highlights current behaviour during faults with conventional current limiting and assesses whether protection devices accurately detect and switch off faults. Hereby, we observed conventional current limiting in positive sequence systems caused distorted residual currents during asymmetrical faults, leading to relay misoperations and incorrect fault loop detection in some cases.
Details
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 4 |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 1 Apr 2025 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Conference
Title | 19th IET Conference on Developments in Power System Protection |
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Abbreviated title | DPSP Europe 2025 |
Conference number | 19 |
Duration | 1 - 3 April 2025 |
Website | |
Degree of recognition | International event |
Location | Bizkaia Aretoa |
City | Bilbao |
Country | Spain |