Protection strategy for multi-terminal DC networks with fault current blocking capability of converters

High voltage dc networks are a promising technology to flexibly transmit power over long distances. However, dc grid protection is still a major challenge. DC fault clearance can be mainly achieved with three devices. These are ac circuit breakers (ACCBs), dc circuit breakers (DCCBs) and converters with fault current blocking (FB) capability. In spite of their great operational advantages, FB converters have attracted less attention than ACCBs or DCCBs in dc protection research. To bridge this gap, this paper investigates a protection strategy for a multi-terminal dc (MTDC) network equipped with FB converters and fast dc disconnectors. A novel minimum opening protection approach fully based on local data is proposed. Digital simulations are carried out using PSCAD/EMTDC. Simulation results show that only the two fast dc disconnectors placed in a faulty link operate following a dc fault. These results have verified proposed ideas for the protection of MTDC networks.