DC fault ride-through capability and statcom operation of a hybrid voltage source converter arrangement for HVDC power transmission and reactive power compensation

HVDC transmission systems are becoming increasingly popular when compared to conventional AC transmission methods. HVDC voltage source converters (VSC) can offer advantages over traditional HVDC current source converter topologies; as such, it is expected that HVDC-VSCs will be further exploited with the growth of HVDC transmission. This paper presents the DC fault ride through capability and new STATCOM modes of operation for a recently published alternating arm voltage source converter (AAC) intended for the HVDC market. Operation of the converter during a local terminal to terminal short circuit of the DC-Link is demonstrated; additionally, operation of the converter as a STATCOM during the fault is also demonstrated.