From Theory to Practice: Validating a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Experimental Setup for Traveling Wave Analysis

This paper presents an experimental investigation of traveling wave phenomena in high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, aiming to advance the understanding and application of traveling wave-based fault detection and protection technologies. A low-scale HVDC experimental setup was developed, incorporating a 3 km DC cable connected to diode-based rectifiers and IGBT-based inverters, along with associated control and measurement systems. The setup enables the controlled application of faults, allowing for the detailed observation of traveling wave propagation under various fault conditions. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the setup in replicating real-world conditions and demonstrate the potential of traveling wave analysis for improving fault location accuracy and the speed of response in HVDC systems. The findings will contribute to the development of more reliable and efficient protective devices for HVDC networks, ensuring stable power transmission.