This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been
fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/TPWRD.2020.3030332, IEEE
Transactions on Power Delivery
Zone I Distance Relaying Scheme of Lines Connected
to MMC-HVDC Stations During Asymmetrical Faults:
Problems, Challenges and Solutions
Yingyu Liang, Member, IEEE, Wulin Li, and Yaotong Huo
Abstract—The exclusive fault behaviors of MMC-HVDC stations
bring great challenges to the correct operations of distance relays.
This paper presents a new zone I distance relaying scheme that can
accurately calculate fault distance in the case of integration of
MMC-HVDC system. The two calculation formulas of fault
distance are derived from mathematical perspective and
geometrical relationship of impedances, respectively. Phase angle
of fault current is the key to calculate fault distance. In power
system without MMC-HVDC stations, the existing method for
solving this phase angle is based on two premises, that is, the
positive- and negative-sequence current distribution factors are
equal and real numbers. However, owing to the integration of
MMC-HVDC system, aforementioned premises are both not true.
Consequently, the existing method cannot obtain accurate phase
angle of fault current. To solve this problem, the three solutions
corresponding to three different types of asymmetrical faults are
provided. The proposed scheme has the advantages of satisfactory
immunity against fault resistance, applicable to various
asymmetrical faults, and performing well under rectifier as well
as inverter modes. The performance of the proposed scheme is
evaluated by simulation results in PSCAD/EMTDC and
compared with prior-art schemes.
Index Terms—Distance protection, MMC-HVDC system, fault
distance, negative-sequence impedance shaping.
I. INTRODUCTION
D UEto its advantages of modularity, scalability, low
switching loss and low distortion of output current,
modular multilevel converter (MMC) has been a promising
candidate for high voltage direct current application (HVDC)
[1]-[3]. Since the Trans Bay Cable project in March 2010,
dozens of MMC-HVDC projects have been put into operation
worldwide [4]-[5]. Significant differences in fault
characteristics between conventional synchronous sources and
MMC-HVDC stations may result in malfunction of protective
relaying schemes of the line emanating from an MMC-HVDC
station. Distance protection is an attractive option for line
protection, and it is widely applied in high voltage transmission
lines [6]-[8]. Therefore, this paper aims to study the effects of
This work was supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation
of China under Grant 51707193, in part by the Yue Qi Young Scholar Project of
China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), and in part by the
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under Grant
2020YQJD01. (Corresponding author: Yingyu Liang.)
Y. Liang, W. Li, and Y. Huo are with School of Mechanical Electronic and
Information Engineering, China University of Mining and
Technology(Beijing), Beijing 100083, China (e-mail:
liangyingyu2013@163.com; lmmx1995@163.com; huoyaotong2018
@163.com)
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1
MMC-HVDC stations on distance protection and propose a
new distance relaying scheme considering the unique fault
characteristics of MMC-HVDC stations during asymmetrical
faults that account for the majority of faults.
Based on the assumption of the fault path being purely
resistive, Xu et al. [9]-[11] presented distance relaying schemes
against fault resistance, which can accurately locate the fault
location. Ma et al. [12]-[13] presented two adaptive distance
relaying schemes, minimizing the negative effects of fault
resistance on distance relays. In [14], another adaptive distance
relaying scheme was proposed, featuring an adaptive setting
following structural and operational changes to prevent zone-1
malfunction. However, if fault point is outside the fixed
boundary, 2 cycles delay is essential for the relay to achieve the
trip decision. Reference [15] presented a novel digital distance
relaying scheme that eliminates the errors introduced by fault
resistance. The proposed scheme neglects system impedance,
which is not feasible for the line connected to the MMC-HVDC
station. In [16], distance protection using artificial neural
networks (ANNs) for transmission lines was presented, which
can estimate the line impedance from the relay to fault point. As
Prasad and Nayak stated in [17], besides complexity of the
structures and training data, ANNs-based distance protection
incurred large storage and a heavy calculation burden. In [18],
the authors presented a new distance protection scheme that
correctly discriminates in-zone and out-of-zone faults by
comparing the amplitudes of the improved original and virtual
measured voltages. In [25], the authors presented a new line
fault impedance calculation method, which can locate the fault
location. Compared with conventional distance protection, the
aforementioned schemes offer a better performance. However,
these schemes were designed for protecting transmission lines
connected to conventional synchronous sources at both ends
and the unique fault characteristics of MMC-HVDC stations
were not considered.
Considering the fault characteristics of DFIG-based wind
farm, two distance relaying schemes were presented to protect
transmission lines connected to DFIG-based wind farm
[19]-[20]. However, fault characteristics of DFIG-based wind
farm are significantly different with those of MMC-HVDC
stations. Alam et al. [21]-[22] studied the impact of the
VSC-HVDC station on the operation of distance relay. The
results showed that distance relay was prone to under-reach
problem because of limited fault current amplitude of
VSC-HVDC station. Nevertheless, the solution to removing the
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Transactions on Power Delivery
2

adverse effect caused by VSC-HVDC station was not XT=0.14pu, RT=0.032pu.

mentioned. Reference [23] presented an apparent impedance ER ZR S1
Grid
calculation method to identify miscoordinated backup M IM IN N ES
SW Uf ZS
protection relays caused by VSC-HVDC during three-phase CT CT
F
fault. However, the authors in [23] did not study asymmetrical MMC-HVDC station PT PT

MMC If Rf
faults that account for the majority of faults. Zolfaghari et al. transformer R2
R1
[24] pointed that in-feed current of the HVDC converter can DC
side
cause zone-2 distance relay to overestimate the fault distance. S2

A robust control approach for voltage source converter of

HVDC system was presented to overcome this problem. Still, a
zone-1 distance relaying scheme that eliminates adverse effects
of MMC-HVDC stations remains none. References [28]-[30]
presented novel distance protection schemes for lines
connecting full-scale converter-interfaced renewable energy
power plants. The fault distance cannot be calculated by the
proposed schemes. Based on the assumption that grid strength
is sufficiently large compared to PV plants, an approximation
relation between the fault current and the current at the relay
point was derived in reference [31]. However, when solar
plants or MMC-HVDC stations are connected to a weak grid, a
non-negligible error may be introduced. Given the increasing
number of MMC-HVDC projects and the importance of zone-1
distance protection, it is of great significance to propose a zone
I distance relaying scheme that is applicable to the transmission
lines connected to MMC-HVDC stations.
Herein, a new zone I distance relaying scheme that considers
the unique fault characteristics of MMC-HVDC station is
proposed. This paper is organized as follows. The effects of
MMC-HVDC station on distance relays on grid-side and
MMC-side were analyzed in Section II. The challenges and
solutions of solving phase angle of fault current were
expounded. Moreover, two equivalent calculation methods of
fault distance were presented in Section III. Simulation results
were provided to verify the correctness and effectiveness of
proposed distance relaying scheme in Section IV. The main
contributions and the limitations of this study were provided in
Section V. Finally, conclusions were drawn in Section VI.
II. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Fig. 1 illustrates the analysis model for the effects of
MMC-HVDC station on distance protection. In Fig. 1, switch
SW is used to choose a synchronous source or an MMC-HVDC
station to connected to bus M. Point F represents the fault point.
U f and I f are the voltage at the fault point and current
flowing through the fault path, respectively. The parameters of
the 200-km-long 500 kV line MN are: R1 =0.01839 Ω/km,
XL1 = 0.263 Ω/km, XC1 =500.1314 MΩ*m, R0 = 0.1417 Ω/km,
XL0 = 0.6027 Ω/km, and XC0 = 800.5217 MΩ*m. The
parameters of system R are: ZR1 = 0.6278 + j8.9781 Ω,
ZR0 = 3.3743 + j 14.6156 Ω, and ER= 525∠15°. The parameters
of system S are: ZS1 = 0.6278 + j8.9781 Ω,
ZS0 = 3.3743 + j14.6156 Ω, and ES = 525∠0°. Zone-1 distance
relay is set to protect 80% of line MN. The parameters of
MMC-HVDC station are: S=1000MVA, DC link
voltage=700kV. The parameters of transformer are:
S=1100MVA, rated transformation ratio is 525/375 kV,
Fig. 1. Analysis model for the effects of MMC-HVDC station on distance
protection.
To compare the effects of MMC-HVDC station and
synchronous source on distance protection, the switch SW, in
Fig. 1, is used to choose synchronous source or MMC-HVDC
station to connected to bus M. In Fig. 1, relay R1 is on the
MMC-side of line MN, while relay R2 is on the grid-side of line
MN. When a fault occurs in the transmission line, the measured
impedances of relay R1 and relay R2 are both the ratio of the
measured voltage U m over the measured current I m :
Um
Zm = = xZ L1 + Z (1)
Im
where x is fault distance from the relay point to the fault point,
ZL1 is positive-sequence impedance per unit length of line MN,
∆Z is the additional impedance caused by the fault resistance.
A. Effects of MMC-HVDC Station on Ground Distance Relays
Assuming that a phase-A-to-ground fault (AG) occurs with a
fault resistance Rf, the effects of MMC-HVDC station on
ground distance relays are investigated in this subsection. As
shown in (1), regardless of relay R1 or relay R2, the measured
impedances consist of additional impedance and line fault
impedance, i.e., line impedance from the relay point to fault
point. The performances of distance relays are primarily
affected by additional impedance ∆Z, caused by the fault
resistance Rf. When synchronous source R is connected to bus
M, additional impedance of relay R1 in (1) is expressed:
I fa 3 I fa0
Z ss
R1
= Rf = Rf
I Ma + 3KI Ma 0 I Ma + 3KI Ma 0
3I fa0 (2)
= [0] Rf
I Ma + I Ma1 + I Ma 2 + (1 + 3K ) I Ma 0
I Ma1
where superscript “[0]” denotes prefault quantity, so I Ma
[0]
is
prefault load current at the relay point M. Subscripts “1”, “2”
and “0” denote positive-, negative- and zero-sequence
components, respectively. IMa1 is postfault current, and ∆IMa1 is
superimposed current that is the difference between postfault
current and prefault load current. K is zero-sequence
compensation factor and K=(ZL0−ZL1)/ (3ZL1).
For conventional power system with synchronous sources, in
the case of AG faults, the following relations are satisfied:
arg(I Ma1) = arg( I Ma 2 )  arg( I Ma 0 )  arg( I fa0 ) (3)
Additionally, compared with superimposed positive-
sequence current, prefault load current can be negligible.
Therefore, (2) can be further simplified as follows:

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3 I fa0 synchronous source R is connected to bus M, ignoring pre-fault

Z ss
R1
 Rf (4) current, additional impedance of relay R1 is expressed:
I Ma1 + I Ma 2 + (1 + 3K ) I Ma 0
I fb − I fc I − I Nc 
When an MMC-HVDC station is connected to bus M, Z ss
R1
= R f = 1+ Nb Rf
I Mb − I Mc  I Mb − I Mc 
[0]
I Ma + I Ma1 + I Ma 2 is generally significantly less than (7)
 ( I Nb1 − I Nc1 ) + ( I Nb 2 − I Nc 2 )   I Na1 
 1+  R f  1+  R f
 ( I
(1 + 3K ) I Ma0 because of the poor overcurrent capacity of  Mb1 − I Mc1 ) + ( I Mb 2 − I Mc 2 )   I Ma1 
MMC. As a result, additional impedance of relay R1 can be When an MMC-HVDC station is connected to bus M,
simplified to (5): additional impedance of relay R1 in (1) is expressed:
3 I fa0  ( I Nb1 − I Nc1 ) + ( I Nb 2 − I Nc 2 ) 
Z MMC
R1
 Rf (5) Z MMC
R1
 1+  R f
 ( I Mb1 − I Mc1 )
(1 + 3K ) I Ma0  
(8)
 2I Na1 
Comparing (4) with (5), Z MMC
R1
is greater than Z ss
R1
.  1+ Rf
 I Ma1 
Thereby, compared with synchronous sources, MMC-HVDC
stations further aggravate the adverse effect of fault resistance Comparing (7) with (8), phase angle of Z ssR1 approximates
on distance relay on MMC-side, i.e., relay R1. 0°, while phase angle of Z MMC
R1
is highly affected by control
Similar to the previous analysis and derivation process,
system of MMC-HVDC. Generally, there is not much
additional impedances of relay R2 are expressed:

difference between I Ma1 and I Na1 in (7). Due to the poor
3 I fa0
Z ss
R2

 I Na1 + I Na 2 + (1 + 3K ) I Na 0
Rf overcurrent capacity of MMC, I Na1 is much larger than

 (6) I Ma1 in (8). Therefore, compared with synchronous source,
 R2 3 I fa0
 Z MMC  Rf
 I fa1 + I fa 2 + (1 + 3K ) I Na 0 integration of MMC-HVDC stations significantly aggravates
 the adverse effect of fault resistance on relay R1.
As shown in (6), Z MMC
R2
is less than Z ssR 2 . This indicates Similar to the previous analysis and derivation process,
additional impedances of relay R2 are expressed:
that integration of MMC-HVDC stations mitigates the adverse
 R2  I 
effect of fault resistance on distance relay on grid-side, i.e.,  Z ss  1+ Ma1  R f
 
relay R2.   I Na1 
 (9)
Fig. 2 shows the additional impedances under an AG fault  R2  I Ma1 
occurring at the midpoint of line MN with a fault resistance of Z MMC  1+ 2I Rf  Rf
  Na1 
10Ω. The station operates in inverter mode. In Fig. 2, Z ssR1 <
As observed from (9), Z ss
R2
is larger than Z MMC
R2
. This
Z MMC
R1
, and Z ss
R2
> Z MMC
R2
. Additional impedance ∆Z indicates that integration of MMC-HVDC station mitigates the
represents the error between measured impedance Zm and line adverse effect of fault resistance on relay R2.
fault impedance xZL1. The smaller the additional impedance ∆Z, Fig. 3 shows the additional impedances under a BC fault
the better the performance of distance relay. As observed from occurring at the midpoint of line MN with a fault resistance of
Fig. 2, compared with synchronous source, integration of 10Ω. The results shown in Fig. 3 are highly consistent with the
MMC-HVDC station further aggravates the adverse effect of theoretical analysis above.
30
fault resistance on relay R1, while it mitigates the adverse effect 30
20
of fault resistance on relay R2. This conclusion is highly
10
ZssR1 25

consistent with the theoretical analysis above. ZMMC

R1
20
X/Ω
X/Ω

0 15
Z ssR 2
30 35

25 30 -10 10

20
25 -20 5 Z MMC
R2

xZL1 20
X/Ω
X/Ω

-30 0
15 xZL1
Z ssR 2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 5 10 15 20 25
ZssR1
15
R/Ω R/Ω
10
10
Z MMC
R2
(a) (b)
5 ZMMC
R1
5
Fig. 3. Additional impedances under a BC fault. (a) relay R1. (b) relay R2.
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20
R/Ω R/Ω
It should be noted that the analysis process described above
(a) (b)
Fig. 2. Additional impedances under an AG fault. (a) relay R1. (b) relay R2.
is not applicable to the high-resistance faults. According to the
previous analysis, in the presence of MMC-HVDC stations,
B. Effects of MMC-HVDC Station on Phase Distance Relays even though the value of fault resistance is not large, the
Assuming that a phase B-to-phase C fault (BC) occurs with a distance relay may operate incorrectly. In the case of
fault resistance 2Rf, the effects of MMC-HVDC station on high-resistance faults, a large additional impedance causes
phase distance relays are investigated in this subsection. When distance relay a high risk of incorrect operations. This paper

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4

aims to solve this problem. derived from a mathematical perspective in the first method,
while it is derived from the geometrical relationship of
C. Performance Problem of Distance Relay on the MMC-side
measured impedance Zm, line fault impedance xZL1 and
According to the previous analysis, the integration of additional impedance ∆Z in the second method.
MMC-HVDC stations aggravates the adverse effect of fault 1) The first method
resistance on distance relay on MMC-side, i.e., relay R1, (10) can be rewritten as:
whereas it mitigates the adverse effect of fault resistance on Rm + jX m = x ( RL1 + jX L1 ) +
distance relay on grid-side, i.e., relay R2. Therefore, relay R1 is
( ) ( )
If (11)
prone to maloperation. This subsection will illustrate the R f cos I f − I m + j sin I f − I m 
performance problem of distance relay on the MMC-side. Im  
The reach setting of relay R1’s zone I is 80% of line MN. (
− j I f −I m )
Two case studies are used to illustrate performance problem of Multiplying both sides of (11) with e , (12) can be
distance relay on the MMC-side. In case 1, a obtain
phase-A-to-ground fault occurs at 60% of line MN from bus M ( ) ( ) If
( Rm + jX m ) e = x ( RL1 + jX L1 ) e
− j I f −I m − j I f −I m
with a fault resistance of 8Ω, which is within the protected zone + Rf
Im
of relay R1’s zone I. In this case, the station operates in rectifier
mode. In case 2, a phase-B-to-phase C fault occurs at 90% of (12)
line MN from bus M with a fault resistance of 2Ω, which is Thus,
( ) − j ( I f −I m ) 
Im ( Rm + jX m ) e = Im  x ( RL1 + jX L1 ) e
outside the protected zone of relay R1’s zone I. In this case, the − j I f −I m
station operates in inverter mode. The impedances measured by    
relay R1 are shown in Fig. 4. (13)
As observed from Fig. 4, the measured impedance in case 1
where Im[•] represents the operation of taking the imaginary
is outside the operation zones of mho and quadrilateral
characteristics, whereas the measured impedance in case 2 part of a complex number.
enters into the operation zones of mho and quadrilateral Then, fault distance can be obtained from (13):
characteristics in steady state. Consequently, the internal fault
x=
( )
X m cos I f − I m − Rm sin I f − I m ( ) (14)
in case 1 is misidentified as an external fault, and relay R1 fails ( )
X L1 cos I f − I m − RL1 sin I f − I m ( )
to operate. The external fault in case 2 is misidentified as an
internal fault, causing unwanted operation of relay R1. This 2) The second method
paper aims to present a new zone I distance relaying scheme to Geometrical relationship of measured impedance Zm, line
solve the performance problem of distance relay on the fault impedance xZL1 and additional impedance ∆Z is shown in
MMC-side. Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, φline is the phase of the line impedance. φzm is
200
the phase of measured impedance. In Fig. 5, OQ is
Case 1 mho characteristic
perpendicular to AB. Accordingly, ∆OAQ and ∆OBQ are both
150 quadrilateral characteristic right triangles.

100 Case 2
jX
X/Ω

A
50 Q I m − I f
xZL1

0 ∆Z
-50
-20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 line B
R/Ω Zm
Fig. 4. Impedances measured by relay R1 for cases 1 and 2.  zm I m − I f
o R
Fig. 5. Geometrical relationship of measured impedance, line fault impedance
III. A NEW ZONE I DISTANCE RELAYING SCHEME and additional impedance in the complex plane.
A. Basic Principle
From Fig. 5, the following relations are obtained:
According to Fig. 1, the measured impedance of relay R1 can
OAQ =  − line +I f − I m
be expressed:
Um If OBQ =  zm − I f + I m (15)
Zm = = xZ L1 + Z = xZ L1 + Rf (10)
Im Im OA = x Z L1 , OB = Z m
If fault distance x is accurately calculated, the distance relay In ∆OAQ, OQ is calculated as:
can achieve accurate fault location. As a result, distance relay
can determine whether the fault is within the protection zone.
(
OQ = OA  sin OAQ = x Z L1 sin  − line+I f − I m ) (16)
This paper presents two equivalent calculation methods of In ∆OBQ, OQ is calculated as
fault distance. The computational formula of fault distance is

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(
OQ = OB  sin OBQ = Z m sin  zm − I f + I m ) (17)
xZ L1 = Z L1
( ) (
X m cos I f − I m − Rm sin I f − I m ) (21)
According to (16) and (17), fault distance is obtained: X L1 cos ( I f − I m ) − RL1 sin ( I f − I m )

x=
(
Z m sin  zm − I f + I m ) (18)
In (20) and (21), except I f , other quantities can be obtained
(
Z L1 sin line − I f + I m ) based on local electrical quantities and discrete Fourier transform.
Substituting (19) into (18), Hence, solving I f is the key to calculate fault distance and
X m = Z m sin  zm , Rm = Z m cos  zm line fault impedance.
(19)
X L1 = Z L1 sin line , RL1 = Z L1 cos line B. Challenges in Solving I f
we obtain
Although the fault current If cannot be measured, I f can
x=
( ) (
X m cos I f − I m − Rm sin I f − I m ) (20) be still obtained according to the phase relationship of the fault
X L1 cos ( I f − I m ) − RL1 sin ( I f − I m ) current If and the current at the relay point M, as stated in [25].
Comparing (14) with (20), they are exactly identical. For different types of asymmetrical faults, AG, BC and BCG
Therefore, the two proposed calculation methods are faults are taken as examples. According to reference [25], the
equivalent. calculation formulas of I f are shown in (22). In (22), C1 and
The line fault impedance can be expressed as follows: C2 are positive- and negative-sequence current distribution
factors, respectively.
  I 
 I fa =  Ma1   I Ma1, phase A - to - ground fault(AG)
  C 1 

  3I Ma1  
I f =  (
 I fb − I fc =   − j

2
)   I Ma1 − , phase B - to - phase C fault(BC) (22)
  C1  2

 
 I − I = I Mb1 − I Mc1 + I Mb2 − I Mc2   ( I − I ) , phase B - to - phase C - to - ground fault(BCG)
 fb (
fc  )  Mb Mc
  C1 C2 
The correctness of (22) depends on the following two The reference current phasors of the MMC-HVDC station
premises. can be expressed as follows [3]:
Premise 1: C1 is almost a real number, i.e., C1 ≈0°.
Premise 2: C1 = C2.
I ref =
2
3(U1 )2
(U 1Pref + U1Qref )
For conventional synchronous sources-based power system, (25)
these two premises are true. However, for power system Iref =
2
3(U1 ) 2
(U1Pref + U 1Qref )
including MMC-HVDC system, like Fig. 1, this is not the case.
According to Fig. 6, C 1, C2 and C0 are expressed as follows: where Pref and Qref are reference values of active and reactive
I M 1 ( LMN − x ) Z L1 + Z S1 power.
C1 = = Owing to excellent performance of MMC’s control system,
I f 1 Z MMC1 + LMN Z L1 + Z S1 the output currents can track the reference values. In the steady
IM 2 ( LMN − x ) Z L 2 + Z S 2 state, the positive-sequence current of the MMC-HVDC station
C2 = = (23) can be expressed as follows:
I f2 Z MMC 2 + LMN Z L 2 + Z S 2
2 Q
I M1 = Pref2 +Qref
2
(1 +  − arctan ref )
IM 0 ( LMN − x ) Z L0 + Z S 0 3U1 Pref
(26)
C0 = =
I f0 Z T0 + LMN Z L 0 + Z S 0 In normal condition, the pre-fault voltage and current
where x is fault distance from bus M to fault point F, and LMN is phasors of the MMC-HVDC station can be expressed:
the length of line MN. ZT0 is zero-sequence impedance of the U1 2k P
U M[0] = (1 +  −  ), I M[0] =  0 (1 +  −  ) (27)
transformer in the MMC-HVDC station. = a, b, c. k 3U1
When an asymmetrical fault occurs, the three-phase terminal where kλ is positive-sequence voltage drop factor, which is the
voltage phasors of the MMC-HVDC station can be expressed ratio of positive sequence voltage after and before the fault. P0
as follows: is the active power of the station during normal condition. ∆δ is
U M = U M1 + U M 2 the angular difference of positive-sequence voltages after and
(24)
= U1(1 +  ) + U 2 ( 2 −  ) before the fault. Superscript [0] denotes pre-fault voltage or
current.
where U1 and U2 are the amplitudes of the positive- and
Equivalent positive-sequence impedance of MMC-HVDC
negative-sequence voltages, respectively. δ1 and δ2 are the
station ZMMC1 is derived as follows:
initial phase angles of the positive- and negative-sequence
phase-A voltages, respectively. δa = 0°, δb = −120°, and δc =
120°.

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U M1 U M1 − U M[0] ZMMC1

Z MMC1 = − =− = 1000 200
I M1 I M1 − I [0]
M amplitude
phase angle
( k − cos  ) + ( sin  )2
2 800 100
3U 2
− 1

phase angle/(°)
(28)

amplitude/Ω
(P − k P0 cos  ) + ( k P0 sin  − Qref )
2 2
2k
ref 600 0

  sin    k P0 sin  − Qref  

  arctan  − arctan  
  Pref − k P0 cos   
400 -100
  k − cos  
    
As shown in (28), ZMMC1 is related to many factors, e.g., U1, 200
0 20 40 60 80
-200
100
kλ, P0, ∆δ, Pref and Qref. Therefore, equivalent positive-sequence fault resistance/Ω

impedance of MMC-HVDC station ZMMC1 is affected by Fig. 7. Equivalent positive-sequence impedance of MMC-HVDC station
(ZMMC1) under phase A-to-ground faults occurring at the middle of line MN
control system of MMC, fault conditions and system with different fault resistances.
parameters. This leads to a varying ZMMC1 and a significant
difference in the phase angle between ZMMC1 and 0.2 240
amplitude phase angle 200
positive-sequence line impedance ZL1. As shown in Fig. 7,
amplitude and phase angle of ZMMC1 vary with the fault 0.15
100

phase angle/(°)
Zero degree line(0°)
resistance. As a result, C1 is a variable quantity and is not a real

amplitude
number. Fig. 8 shows C1 under phase A-to-ground faults 0
0.1
occurring at the middle of line MN with different fault
resistances. As observed from Fig. 8, amplitude of C1 varies -100
0.05
with the fault resistance, which is significantly different with
that of conventional synchronous source. Moreover, phase 0 20 40 60 80
-200
100
angle of C1 deviates significantly from 0°. Therefore, premise 1 fault resistance/Ω

is not true in the case of an MMC-HVDC station connecting Fig. 8. Positive-sequence current distribution factor under phase A-to-ground
bus M. faults occurring at the middle of line MN with different fault resistances.
To protect the power electronic components of MMC and C. Solutions to Solve I f
prevent overcurrent problem, negative-sequence current is
usually eliminated during asymmetrical faults. Thus, Considering the difference between MMC-HVDC station
I M 2  0 (29) and synchronous source, the solutions to solve I f are
provided in this subsection.
In this case, ZMMC2 is close to infinity, i.e., ZMMC2≈∞. Based
1) Single-phase-to-ground fault
on (23), C2 is approximately zero, and thereby C1≠C2.
Take an AG fault as an example. Since ZMMC1 is affected by
Consequently, premise 2 is not true, either.
control strategy of MMC-HVDC, C1 is not a real number.
Based on the previous analysis, due to the unique fault
Therefore, (22) is not applicable to the lines emanating from
characteristics of MMC-HVDC system, the two premises are
MMC-HVDC stations during single-phase-to-ground faults. As
both not true and the existing solution of solving I f fails.
shown in Fig. 1, transformer of MMC-HVDC station is in Ygd
This brings great challenges in solving I f . connection; therefore, zero-sequence network is unaffected by
 =a,b,c MMC-HVDC stations. Consequently, zero-sequence current
MMC-HVDC I M1 I N1 distribution factor C0 can be seen as a real number, i.e., C0
Grid
station M xZ
L1
F U f 1(LMN–x)ZL1
N ≈0°. Therefore, when an AG fault occurs, I f can be obtained
superimposed ZMMC1
positive-sequence
U M1 Rf I f 1 U N1 based on the method presented in [15].
network ZS1
2) Phase-to-phase fault
I M 2 I N 2
(i) Negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme
M xZ N
(LMN–x)ZL2
Take a BC fault as an example. The fault current is
L2 F U f2
superimposed ZMMC2 expressed:
negative-sequence
Rf I f2 U N 2
network U M 2 ZS2 2 3I Ma 2
I f =I fb − I fc = j (30)
C2
I M 0 I N 0
M xZ N Based on the assumption that C 2 ≈0°, I f can be obtained:
L0 F U f  0 (LMN–x)ZL0
ZT0  2 3I Ma 2  
superimposed zero-
sequence network
U M 0 Rf I f0 U N 0
ZS0 I f =  j   I Ma 2+ (31)
 C 2  2
However, for MMC-HVDC station with conventional
Fig. 6. Superimposed sequence networks in the case of an asymmetrical fault. control strategy, since negative-sequence current is eliminated,

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the assumption is false. Therefore, to obtain I f , a new 1800

Z MMC 2
89

control strategy is required.

1600
Z MMC 2 line 88
1400

phase angle/(°)
To make the assumption that C 2 ≈0° true, the following 87

amplitude/Ω
1200
86
relation must be satisfied according to (23):
1000
Z MMC 2  Z S 2  Z L 2=line (32) 85
800
84
To achieve the relation in (32), a negative-sequence 600
impedance shaping scheme for MMC is proposed. Since 0 10 20 30 40
83
50
fault resistance/Ω
negative-sequence impedance is the ratio of negative-sequence
(a)
voltage over negative-sequence current, negative-sequence
10
impedance of MMC can be shaped by controlling the injected
negative-sequence current. 5
C 2

phase angle/(°)
According to (24) and (32), we can obtain
 U M 2  0
Z MMC 2=  −  = line  I M 2= 2 −  − line+ (33)
 I M 2 
  -5

Hence, negative-sequence reference current of MMC in -10

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
stationary frame is expressed as: fault resistance/Ω

(
i*M 2 =  I rated cos t +  2 −  − line+
where Irated is the rated current of MMC. λ is the ratio of
negative-sequence amplitude to the rated current. To prevent
power electronic components of MMC overcurrent and make
three-phase current almost balanced, λ is set to a small value.
In negative-sequence synchronous frame, (34) is rewritten
− j( 2 −line + )
2 = id 2 + jiq 2 =  I rated e
* * *
idq
By arranging and simplifying (35), negative-sequence
reference current of MMC in dq synchronous frame can be
obtained:
) (34) (b)
Fig. 9. Performance evaluation of negative-sequence impedance shaping
scheme. (a) ZMMC2. (b) ∠C2.
(ii) Negative-sequence voltage-based scheme
When the aforementioned negative-sequence impedance
shaping scheme is adopted, I f can be obtained under
(35) phase-to-phase faults. However, to enable MMC to generate
the desired negative-sequence current, the software of MMC
must be upgraded, which increases the software cost and
complexity of the control system. To tackle this issue, an

id 2 = − I rated ( ud 2 cos line − uq 2 sin line ) U 2

*
*
iq 2 = − I rated ( ud 2 sin line + uq 2 cos line ) U 2
where λ, Irated and φline are constants. ud2 and uq2 can be obtained
by rotating coordinate transformation. U2= ud 2 + uq 2 .
2 2
Classic dual current control scheme is generally adopted by
MMC, which can regulate both positive- and
negative-sequence currents to track their respective reference
currents [26].
Fig. 9 displays equivalent negative-sequence impedance and
effective and simpler scheme is provided, namely
negative-sequence voltage-based scheme. For this scheme,
(36)
I f can be obtained without the requirement of injecting
negative-sequence current. This brings two benefits: 1) lower
overcurrent risk; 2) conventional control strategy of MMC can
be used and software of MMC remains unchanged.
For a BC fault,  =a in Fig. 6. Applying the Kirchhoff’s
current and voltage laws in superimposed negative-sequence
network shown in Fig. 6, the following relations can be
obtained:
I fa 2 = I Ma 2 +I Na 2 , U fa 2 =U Ma 2 − x pu Z L 2 I Ma 2

 Z S 2 + (1 − x pu ) Z L 2  I Na 2 + U fa 2 = 0
current distribution factor under phase B-to-phase C faults (37)
 
occurring at the middle of line MN with different fault
resistances. As shown in Fig. 9, when the proposed As explained in subsection III.B, for conventional control
negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme is adopted, strategy of MMC, negative-sequence current is usually
phase angle of equivalent negative-sequence impedance eliminated. Thus, the relation in (29) is satisfied. Substituting
approximates phase angle of line impedance, i.e., Z MMC 2 ≈ (29) into (37), the following relations are derived [28]:
line . Consequently, C 2 is very close to 0°, so I f can be U fa 2 U Ma 2
I fa 2  I Na 2 = − −
solved by (31). Z S 2 + ( LMN − x ) Z L 2 Z S 2 + ( LMN − x ) Z L 2
(38)
Generally, negative-sequence impedances of the grid and
line have a similar X/R ratio, i.e.,
Z S 2  Z L 2 =line (39)
Based on (38) and (39), we obtain
I fa 2  U Ma 2 − line −  (40)

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For a BC fault, the fault current can be expressed as follows evaluated in a test system established in PSCAD/EMTDC (Fig.
( 2
)
I f =I fb − I fc = a − a ( I fa1 − I fa 2 ) =j2 3I fa 2 (41) 1). The SW is connected to S2. In PSCAD, the power system
with MMC-HVDC system is set up based on components of
Thus, master library. The control system of MMC-HVDC is realized
  using a user defined component and FORTRAN language. To
I f =I fa 2 + =U Ma 2 − line − (42)
2 2 evaluate performance of the proposed scheme and compare it
From (42), I f can be solved according to the relation with the prior-art schemes, a user defined component named
“relay” is built, which is used to simulate a real distance relay.
between the fault current and negative-sequence voltage at the
The proposed scheme and chosen prior-art schemes are
relay point.
implemented in “relay” using FORTRAN language. In PSCAD,
3) Phase-to-phase- to-ground fault
the simulation waveforms can be displayed and corresponding
Taking a BCG fault as an example, the voltages of phase B
data can be exported. According to the simulation results below,
and phase C at the relay point are expressed:
the performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated.
U Mb = ( I Mb + 3KI M 0 )  xZ L1 + U fb (43)
A. Different Fault Locations
U Mc = ( I Mc + 3KI M 0 )  xZ L1 + U fc (44) Assume that phase A-to-ground faults occur at different fault
Subtracting (44) from (43), the conventional formula of locations (20km, 60km, 100km, 140km and 180km from bus M)
measured impedance can be obtained with a fault resistance of 5Ω. Since MMC-HVDC station can
operate as a rectifier or inverter station, the simulation results of
U Mb − U Mc I fb − I fc
Zm = = xZ L1 + Rf (45) rectifier and inverter modes for MMC-HVDC station are both
I Mb − I Mc I Mb − I Mc shown in Table I and Fig. 10. In Table I and Fig. 10, xZL1 is line
Thus, impedance from the relay point to the fault point, Zpro represents
the line fault impedance calculated by the proposed scheme (eq.
 I − I Mc1 I Mb2 − I Mc2 
I f = ( I fb − I fc ) =  Mb1 +  21), and Zconv represents the line fault impedance calculated by
 C1 C2  the conventional scheme that regards measured impedance as
(46) line fault impedance.
 I Ma1 I Ma2  
=  − + + TABLE I
 C1 C2  2 SIMULATION RESULTS FOR DIFFERENT FAULT LOCATIONS UNDER PHASE
A-TO-GROUND FAULT
As explained in [25], I f can be obtained only when xZL1/Ω Zconv/Ω Zpro/Ω
Operation
premise 1 and premise 2 are both satisfied. However, premise 1 mode XRL1 xXL1 Rconv Xconv Rpro Xpro
is not true in the presence of MMC-HVDC stations, which has
0.37 5.26 7.38 8.84 0.37 5.28
been expounded in subsection III.B. As a result, (46) cannot be
used to calculate fault distance in the case of an MMC-HVDC 1.10 15.78 9.67 20.82 1.10 15.78
Rectifier
station connecting bus M. 1.84 26.3 13.01 33.97 1.84 26.38
mode
To solve this issue, a new formula for measured impedance 2.57 36.82 18.9 49.98 2.59 36.98
is developed by adding (43) to (44)[29]: 3.31 47.34 33.98 79.0 3.33 47.60
I fb + I fc
Z m = xZ L1 + Rf (47)
0.37 5.26 7.88 4.51 0.37 5.27
I Mb +I Mc +6 KI M 0 1.10 15.78 10.29 14.36 1.10 15.79
Inverter
Thus, 1.84 26.3 13.81 23.88 1.84 26.35
mode
I f = ( I fb +I fc ) =I f 0  I M 0 (48) 2.57 36.82 19.68 32.55 2.59 37.0
3.31 47.34 33.53 38.32 3.33 47.68
As mentioned earlier, I f is expressed as  ( I fb − I fc ) for
the conventional scheme, whereas I f is expressed as As shown in Table I and Fig. 10, there is a significant
 ( I fb +I fc ) in the case of MMC-HVDC station connecting difference between the calculated line fault impedances and
their actual values for the conventional scheme, causing
bus M. Accordingly, the expression of the measured impedance
distance relay to operate incorrectly. However, irrespective of
is also changed, which is different from the expression used by
operation mode and fault location, the line fault impedances
the conventional relay. The measured voltage and measured
calculated by the proposed scheme are very close to their actual
current are respectively expressed as (U Mb +U Mc ) and values. This indicates that the proposed scheme provides
( I Mb +I Mc +6 KI M 0 ) . The measured impedance is the ratio of satisfactory robustness to fault location and operation mode of
MMC-HVDC station. The proposed scheme shows a better
the measured voltage over the measured current.
performance than the conventional scheme.
IV. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The performance of the proposed distance relaying scheme is

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100 inverter modes both enter into operation zone within the first
80 cycle after fault inception. As a result, the distance relay
xZL1 operates to clear internal fault. As seen from Fig. 11, when
60
conventional scheme is adopted, xconv fails to enter into
reactance/Ω

Zpro (Rectifier)
40 Zpro (Inverter) operation zone. The faults are misidentified as external faults,
20 Zconv (Rectifier) causing distance relay to refuse to operate. According to
Zconv (Inverter)
simulation results in Table II and Fig. 9, the proposed scheme is
0
superior to the conventional scheme.
-20 Owing to the transient process caused by power system fault
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
resistance/Ω and discrete Fourier transform, distance relay may incur
transient overreach issue. To solve this issue, two effective
Fig. 10. Steady-state impedance loci for different fault locations under phase
B-to-phase C-to-ground faults. solutions were presented. In [11], equation (49) is used as a
necessary condition of tripping distance relay to avoid transient
B. Different Fault Resistances
overreach issue.
To evaluate the immunity of the proposed scheme against xk − xk −1   (49)
fault resistance, suppose that phase A-to-ground faults occurs at
100km from bus M with different fault resistances that range where xk and xk-1 are two consecutively calculated fault distance
from 5Ω to 200Ω. The calculated fault distances by values. ε is a small threshold.
conventional and proposed schemes are shown in Table II. As In [25] and [27], to avoid the transient overreach problem, if
seen from Table II, due to the existence of fault resistance, the and only if the criterion for an internal fault is always satisfied
fault distances calculated by the conventional scheme deviate during a continuous period of time, the fault is identified as an
from the actual fault distances. The greater the fault resistance, internal fault.
500
the greater the error. This is because the conventional method 450
directly takes the measured impedance Zm as the line fault
xpro (Rectifier)
impedance xZL1 to calculate the fault distance. The error caused
fault distance/km

350 xpro (Inverter)

by fault resistance between Zm and xZL1 is neglected. Based on xconv (Rectifier) Operation
zone
(10), in general, the larger the fault resistance value is, the 250 xconv (Inverter)
larger the additional impedance is. In contrast, even though 180
fault resistance varies over a wide range, the fault distances
100
calculated by the proposed scheme are approximate to the 50
actual fault distances. From the derivation process of fault 0
distance, the adverse effect of fault resistance is eliminated, and 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2
time/s
thereby the fault distance calculated by (14) is unaffected by Fig. 11. Simulation results under phase A-to-ground faults occurring at 100km
fault resistance. The proposed scheme shows a superior from bus M with 25Ω fault resistance.
immunity against fault resistance under rectifier mode as well
C. Performance Comparison with a Novel Scheme Under
as inverter mode.
Various Types of Asymmetrical Faults
TABLE II To show the superiority of the proposed scheme, the
SIMULATION RESULTS UNDER DIFFERENT FAULT RESISTANCES proposed scheme is compared with a novel scheme that was
The proposed The conventional recently proposed by reference [25] in this subsection. A series
Fault scheme scheme of simulations under different asymmetrical faults with a fault
Operation
resistance Fault Fault
mode Error Error resistance of 15Ω and operation modes are carried out, and
(Ω) distance distance
(%) (%)
(km) (km) simulation results are shown in Table III. The actual fault
5 100.3 0.3 138.0 38.0 distance is 100km.
TABLE III
Rectifier 25 100.8 0.8 427.2 327.2
SIMULATION RESULTS FOR PROPOSED SCHEME AND NOVEL SCHEME IN [25]
mode 100 96.9 -3.1 2401.5 2301.5 UNDER DIFFERENT ASYMMETRICAL FAULTS
200 98.2 -1.8 1581.6 1481.6 Novel scheme in The proposed scheme
[25] in this paper
5 100.2 0.2 104.7 4.7 Operation Fault
Fault Fault
mode type Error Error
25 100.5 0.5 213.4 113.4 distance distance
Inverter (%) (%)
(km) (km)
mode 100 100.9 0.9 525.2 425.2 AG 592.3 492.3 100.5 0.5
200 101.2 1.2 708.5 608.5 Rectifier
BC 491.4 391.4 96.9 -3.1
mode
BCG 285.5 185.5 100.3 0.3
Fig. 11 shows the simulation results under phase AG 117.1 17.1 100.4 0.4
A-to-ground faults occurring at 100km from bus M with a fault Inverter
BC 430.6 330.6 103.0 3.0
resistance of 25Ω. When the faults occur at t=1.5s, the fault mode
distances calculated by the proposed scheme under rectifier and BCG 517.6 417.6 100.3 0.3

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180
Rf =1Ω
The novel scheme has superior performance for transmission Rf =10Ω
150
lines connected to conventional synchronous source at both Rf =20Ω
External fault
Rf =30Ω
ends, as verified in reference [25]. However, integration of

phase angle/degree
120
MMC-HVDC station seriously deteriorates the performance of
90
the novel scheme presented by [25]. As observed from Table III,
the fault distance calculated by the novel scheme deviates 60
significantly from the actual fault distance in most cases, Internal fault
causing maloperation of distance relay. By comparison, the 30

proposed scheme of this paper can accurately calculate faut 1.75 1.8 1.85 1.9 1.95 2 2.05 2.1 2.15
time/s
distance in the case of integration of MMC-HVDC station. The
Fig. 12. Simulation results of memory polarization scheme.
maximum absolute error is within 3.1%. As shown in Table III, 180
operation mode and fault type have great influence on 160
calculation results of the novel scheme; however, they have

fault distance/km
little influence on the proposed scheme. According to 120
Rf =1Ω
simulation results in Table III, the proposed scheme is clearly Rf =10Ω
80 Rf =20Ω
superior to the novel scheme. Rf =30Ω
D. Performance Comparison with the Memory Polarization 40
X: 1.955
Scheme Y: 1.029
0
Memory polarization scheme uses the pre-fault voltage for 1.75 1.8 1.85 1.9 1.95 2 2.05 2.1 2.15
polarization. Considering a BC fault as an example, the time/s
operating and polarizing signals are expressed as follows: Fig. 13. Simulation results of the proposed protection scheme.
SOP = ( I Mb − I Mc ) Z set − (U Mb − U Mc ) E. Performance Evaluation Under Different System
(50)
S POL = U Mb
[0]
− U Mc
[0] Impedances
[0] [0] To evaluate the robustness of the proposed scheme against
where U Mb and U M c are memory voltages, i.e., pre-fault variation of system impedance, several simulation tests under
voltages. different system impedances are implemented. The simulation
The tripping characteristic for a distance relay with pre-fault results are shown in Fig. 14. The system impedance parameter
voltage polarization can be expressed by the following presented in section II is original system impedance, i.e., 100%
equation. system impedance.
 S  In the simulations, phase-A-to-ground faults occur at 100km
−90  arg  OP   90 (51) from bus M with a fault resistance of 10Ω. As observed from
 S POL  Fig. 14, the fault distance curves under different system
Assuming that BC faults occur at 1km from bus M with impedances are almost coincident; therefore, the proposed
different fault resistance, i.e., 1, 10, 20, and 30Ω, the simulation protection scheme shows superior robustness against variation
results of memory polarization and the proposed schemes are of system impedance. It is worth noting that when the system
respectively shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. The fault location is impedance is set to 400% system impedance, the short-circuit
very close to the relay point. ratio is approximately 3.0. In this case, the AC system is a weak
As shown in Fig.12, when Rf = 1 and 10Ω, the relation in power grid for the MMC-HVDC station. Simulation results
equation (51) is satisfied in steady-state. Consequently, the confirm that the proposed scheme performs well under weak
faults are correctly identified as internal faults. However, when grid condition.
Rf = 20 and 30Ω, arg(SOP/SPOL) is greater than 90°.
400
Consequently, the faults with fault resistances of 20 and 30Ω 100% system impedance
are misidentified as external faults, and distance relay fails to 200% system impedance
300
fault distance/km

operate. The performance of memory polarization scheme is 300% system impedance

400% system impedance
greatly affected by fault resistance. As shown in Fig. 13,
200
irrespective of the fault resistance, the calculated fault distances X: 1.791
are close to the actual fault distance (1km). As a result, all the Y: 100.7
100
faults are correctly identified as internal faults. The comparison
results confirm that the proposed protection scheme is superior
0
to memory polarization scheme. 1.7 1.75 1.8 1.85 1.9
time/s
Fig. 14. Simulation results under different system impedance.

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Transactions on Power Delivery
11

F. Performance Evaluation in a Modified IEEE 39-Bus 70 69.8 -0.29 70.7 1.0 70.1 0.14
System with an MMC-HVDC System 90 91.9 2.1 91.3 1.4 91.2 1.3
To further evaluate the proposed protection scheme in a
standard test system, a modified IEEE 39-bus system with an 2) Performance evaluation during power swing
MMC-HVDC system is established. In Fig. 15, the length of To emulate the power swing, a 2Hz fluctuating component is
transmission line 1-2 is 100km. The positive- and superimposed on the power angle of source G8 at t=1s. From
zero-sequence impedances of line 1-2 are 0.076+j0.338 Ω/km Fig. 16, owing to power swing, the active power and current
and 0.284+j0.824 Ω/km, respectively. The positive- and amplitude of line 2-25 are no longer constant. Since there is no
zero-sequence capacitances of line 33-19 are 0.0086 µF/km and fault, the three-phase currents are symmetrical.
0.0061 µF/km, respectively. Other parameters of IEEE 39-bus
system can be found in [32]-[33]. Relay R1 is taken as an

active power / MW
160
example to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. 140
G10 120
37
2 30 G8
R2 100

80
1

three-phase currents / kA
25 26 29
R1 18 28 0.5
17
1 27
0
3
MMC-HVDC -0.5
system 16 38
15
4 -1
1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
39 21
14 G9 time/s
12 Fig. 16. Active power and three-phase currents of line 2-25 during power
24 22 swing.
9
G1 5

8 11
19 To evaluate robustness of the proposed scheme against
13 35
7
power swing under asymmetrical faults, a BC fault occurs with
G6
a fault resistance of 10Ω at t=2s during power swing. The fault
6 20 23
10 location is 50km from bus 1. The simulation results are shown
in Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 17, regardless of
negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme or
31 32 34 33 36
negative-sequence voltage-based scheme, the estimated fault
G3 G5 G4
G2 G7 distances are both close to the actual fault distance (50km) in
Fig. 15. A modified IEEE 39-bus system with an MMC-HVDC system. steady-state. As observed from Fig. 17, the estimated fault
1) Performance evaluation under different fault locations distance of negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme has a
and fault types larger fluctuation than that of negative-sequence voltage-based
Assuming that three types of asymmetrical faults occur at scheme. Furthermore, transient process of negative-sequence
different fault locations of line 1-2, the simulation results are voltage-based scheme is much shorter than that of
shown in Table IV. The fault locations are 30, 50, 70 and 90 km negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme.
from bus 1. The MMC-HVDC station connecting bus 1 In conclusion, two schemes can achieve accurate fault
operates in inverter mode. In Table IV, negative-sequence location and are robust to power swing. Compared with
voltage-based scheme is adopted under BC faults. negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme,
As observed from Table IV, irrespective of fault location and negative-sequence voltage-based scheme offers superior
fault type, the calculated fault distance is always close to actual steady-state and transient performance.
fault distance. The simulation results confirm that the proposed
protection scheme performs well under different fault locations 200
fault distance/km

60
and fault types in a modified IEEE 39-bus system with an X: 2.615
Y: 50.17
negative-sequence impedance
50
MMC-HVDC system. 150 40
shaping scheme
negative-sequence voltage-based
fault distance/km

TABLE IV 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 scheme

SIMULATION RESULTS UNDER DIFFERENT FAULT LOCATIONS AND FAULT Transient process of negative-
time/s

RESISTANCES IN THE MODIFIED IEEE 39-BUS SYSTEM 100 sequence impedance shaping
scheme
AG BC BCG
Fault 50
Fault Fault Fault
locati Error Error Error
distance distance distance
on (%) (%) (%)
(km) (km) (km)
(km) 0
2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
30 30.1 0.33 29.5 -1.67 30.1 0.33
time/s
50 49.8 -0.4 50.2 0.4 49.9 -0.2

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Transactions on Power Delivery
Fig. 17. Simulation results of the proposed scheme when a BC fault occurs
during power swing.
V. DISCUSSION
As more and more MMC-HVDC projects are put into use, it
is necessary to study the effects of MMC-HVDC stations on
distance protection and propose a solution. Considering the
unique fault behaviors of MMC-HVDC stations, this paper
presents a new zone I distance relaying scheme that can
accurately calculate fault distance in the case of integration of
MMC-HVDC system. The advantages of the proposed scheme
and main contributions of this paper are as follows:
1) The effects of an MMC-HVDC station on ground and
phase distance relays are investigated and illustrated.
2) The two calculation formulas of fault distance are derived
from mathematical perspective and geometrical
relationship of impedances, respectively. Moreover, the
two proposed calculation methods proved to be equivalent.
3) The main reasons that the conventional method of solving
I f in [25] is not applicable to the lines connected to
MMC-HVDC stations are analyzed and clarified.
4) Considering the unique fault characteristics of
MMC-HVDC stations, two schemes of solving I f under
phase-to-phase faults are provided. Compared with
negative-sequence impedance shaping scheme,
negative-sequence voltage-based scheme has three
advantages: (1) better steady-state and transient
performance; (2) without the requirement of upgrading the
software of MMC; (3) lower overcurrent risk.
5) Simulation results confirm that the proposed protection
scheme is applicable to the lines connected to
MMC-HVDC stations. Compared with the conventional
distance protection, memory polarization scheme, and the
scheme in [25], the proposed scheme offers superior
performance. The proposed scheme shows excellent
robustness against fault resistance, and perform well under
various conditions, including different fault locations,
different types of asymmetrical faults, different system
impedances, and power swing.
Although this study has revealed the effects of MMC-HVDC
stations on distance relay and presented a zone I distance
relaying scheme of lines connected to MMC-HVDC stations,
there are still some unsolved issues:
1) There are two wiring modes on the secondary side of
transformer, i.e., wye connection with high resistance at
the neutral point (Luxi back-to-back HVDC project
[34]-[35]) and delta connection (Trans Bay Cable project
[4]). For the first connection mode, zero-sequence current
is not generated in the case of ground faults. As a result, the
scheme of solving I f under ground faults cannot be
used.
2) When MMC-HVDC stations are connected to transmission
lines, the solution to accurately calculate the fault distance
for symmetrical faults has not been presented yet.
VI. CONCLUSION
Considering the exclusive fault characteristics of
MMC-HVDC station and the adverse effect of fault resistance,
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12
this paper presents a new distance relaying scheme that can
calculate fault distance for transmission lines connected to
MMC-HVDC stations. Two equivalent calculation methods of
fault distance are presented from mathematical perspective and
geometrical relationship of impedances, respectively. The
performances of the proposed scheme are evaluated in
simulation cases under different conditions. The main
conclusions are summarized below:
1) Compared with synchronous source, the integration of
MMC-HVDC station further aggravates the adverse effect of
fault resistance on distance relay on MMC-side, especially for
phase distance relay; however, it mitigates the adverse effect of
fault resistance on distance relay on grid-side.
2) The proposed scheme shows much better performance
than the conventional scheme and a novel scheme recently
proposed by [25].
3) The proposed scheme provides satisfactory tolerance
against fault resistance and good robustness to fault location.
Moreover, it operates well under various types of asymmetrical
faults, irrespective of rectifier mode or inverter mode.
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Yingyu Liang (M’19) received the B.S. degree from
Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin, China, and the
Ph.D. degree in power system and its automation from
North China Electric Power University, Beijing, China, in
2016.
He is currently an associate professor of China University
of Mining and Technology(Beijing), Beijing, China. His
research interests include power system protection and
control of renewable energy systems and VSC-HVDC.
Wulin Li was born in Shanxi Province, China. He received
the B.S. degree from Datong University, Datong, China,
in 2017, and is currently pursuing the M.Sc. degree in
electrical engineering at China university of mining and
technology(Beijing), Beijing, China.
His research interests include power system protection
and control of renewable energy systems.
Yaotong Huo was born in Jilin Province, China. She
received the B.S. degree from China University of
Mining and Technology(Beijing), Beijing, China, in
2018, and is currently pursuing the M.Sc. degree in
electrical engineering at China University of Mining and
Technology(Beijing), Beijing, China.
Her research interests include HVDC and power system
protection.