Comprehensive review of commutation failure in HVDC transmission systems

Commutation failure (CF) is the main fault type in high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems with line commutated converters. To mitigate CFs, considerable researches have been done either in modelling or control methods. However, with the operation of more and more large-capacity HVDC projects, the coupling characteristics between HVDC and power grid are more complex. The existing reviews tend to focus only on the CFs of a single HVDC itself. This paper provides a more systematic overview of CFs, covering fifteen specific aspects in six areas, including four types of system structures, such as multi-infeed HVDC, and various types of CFs. The mechanism, discrimination, modeling, and prevention of CFs are reviewed extensively in combination with the latest literature. In particular, the advantages and limits of various CFs prevention methods are analyzed and compared in order to reveal the latest research results. Finally, it points out that the analysis and control of multiinfeed HVDC and hierarchical infeed HVDC, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the improvement of communication-based on 5G technology, harmonic problems, and control and coordination strategies of new auxiliary equipment are challenges and research directions of HVDC CFs in the future.

Automated summary

This paper provides a systematic overview of commutation failures (CFs) in high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, covering various aspects such as system structures, CF types, and prevention methods. It also identifies future challenges and research directions for HVDC CFs.