Protection scheme for multi-terminal HVDC system with superconducting cables based on artificial intelligence algorithms

This paper presents the development of a novel data-driven fault detection and classification scheme for DC faults in multi-terminal HVDC transmission system which incorporates superconducting cables and modular multi-level converters. As the deployment of superconducting cables for bulk power transmission from remote renewable generation is progressively increasing in the future energy grids, many fault-related challenges have been raised (i.e., fault detection, protection sensitivity/stability). In this context, the applications of Artificial Intelligence techniques have started to be considered as a powerful tool for the development of robust fault management solutions. The proposed artificial intelligence-based method utilizes local current and voltage measurements to detect and classify all types of faults on the DC cables and DC buses, without the requirement of measurements exchange among different DC substations. The performance of the proposed scheme has been assessed through detailed transient simulation analysis and the results confirmed its effectiveness against a wide range of fault conditions (i.e., various fault types, fault locations and fault resistances). Furthermore, the feasibility of the developed scheme for real-time implementation has been validated using real-time software in the loop testing. The results revealed that the proposed algorithm can correctly, and within a very short period of time (i.e. less than 2 ms) detect and classify the faults within the protected zone and concurrently remain stable during external faults. Additionally, the generalization capability of the algorithm has been verified against influencing factors such as the addition of noise, highlighting the robustness of the presented scheme.