A fast-executing single ended fault location method using transmission line characteristics for wind parks integrated HVDC network

Protection programs against DC faults in the HVDC Networks play a critical role in the development and expansion of integrated HVDC networks. When DC fault happens in HVDC network, every passing second counts huge power loss which makes a fast executing fault detection system necessary. Traditional fault detection methods either lacks accuracy or consume significant time in execution. This paper proposes fast-executing single ended method computing fault location within a few microseconds just after arrival of the first wave front of fault surge at the terminal of the HVDC network. The proposed method utilizes frequency dependent transmission line characteristics and travelling wave wavefront information for determining location of fault. The proposed method's functionality is tested in PSCAD simulation with realistic models. The results have been further compared with existing fault location methods and the proposed method shows suitable accuracy and significantly faster execution.