The present work was performed at HVDC ABB as an initial study on how to adopt probabilistic concepts into the VCSHVDC insulation coordination. Due to large voltage levels in HVDC applications the corresponding insulation need to be properly addressed to ensure a safe, economical and reliable operation. Traditionally, only the maximum overvoltage is considered, where no adoption to the shape of the overvoltage distribution is regarded. Use of probabilistic concepts in the insulation coordination procedure can ideally reduce insulation margins with a maintained low risk of flashover. Analysis and understanding of probabilistic concepts of AC systems is needed in order to implement the concepts into VSC-HVDC. With use of advanced VSC-HVDC models, faults are simulated with varied fault insertion time in PSCAD. The resulting overvoltages from the simulation is gathered using different statistical methods in order to obtain the approximated overvoltage distribution. It was found from the simulation results that use of a Gaussian distribution is inappropriate due to shape variety in the overvoltage distributions. Instead, Kernel Density Estimate can serve as a flexible tool to approximate overvoltage distributions with a variety in number of modes and shape. The retrieved approximated overvoltage distributions are compared with the insulation strength in order to calculate the risk of flashover. The comparison shows that the insulation can be tuned in order to match set requirements. The thesis work should be seen as pilot study, where key problems have been pointed out and recommended further studies are proposed.

Esta pesquisa apresenta uma metodologia, baseada em duas técnicas não invasivas para identificação e diagnóstico de pontos quentes em transformadores de potência durante plena operação ou em fase de projeto. A primeira técnica é baseada na medição de radiação infravermelha, emitida pelo equipamento em funcionamento e registrada por meio de análise termográfica. A segunda técnica é possível a partir do conhecimento prévio das características construtivas do transformador, fazendo uso do Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF). A segunda técnica pode ser validada a partir das medições realizadas utilizando a primeira técnica. A formação de gases no interior dos transformadores de potência, devido à elevação da temperatura do óleo isolante em função dos pontos quentes, é discutida em detalhes com base nas normas técnicas estabelecidas pelo IEEE e IEC. As técnicas e procedimentos abordados ao longo dessa pesquisa foram obtidos a partir de um transformador com potência nominal de 120 MVA e relação de tensão 13,8/230 kV, projetado para integrar uma fazenda eólica ao Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN). / This research presents a methodology based on two noninvasive techniques for identification and diagnostic of hot spots in power transformers during operation or project development. The first is based on measurements of infrared radiation from the equipment during operation and recording by thermography. The second technique is possible from the previous knowing of the constructive characteristics of the power transformer, by using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The second technique can be validated from measurements obtained using the first technique. The gas formation into the power transformers, because of the high temperatures in the insulating oil due to the hot spots, is discussed in details based on normative recommendations well established by the IEEE and IEC. All techniques and procedures to be approached in this research were obtained using a 120-MVA power transformer with voltage relationship of 13.8/230 kV that was projected to interconnect a wind farm to the Interconnected Brazilian System (Sistema Interligado Nacional - SIN).

Esta pesquisa apresenta uma metodologia, baseada em duas técnicas não invasivas para identificação e diagnóstico de pontos quentes em transformadores de potência durante plena operação ou em fase de projeto. A primeira técnica é baseada na medição de radiação infravermelha, emitida pelo equipamento em funcionamento e registrada por meio de análise termográfica. A segunda técnica é possível a partir do conhecimento prévio das características construtivas do transformador, fazendo uso do Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF). A segunda técnica pode ser validada a partir das medições realizadas utilizando a primeira técnica. A formação de gases no interior dos transformadores de potência, devido à elevação da temperatura do óleo isolante em função dos pontos quentes, é discutida em detalhes com base nas normas técnicas estabelecidas pelo IEEE e IEC. As técnicas e procedimentos abordados ao longo dessa pesquisa foram obtidos a partir de um transformador com potência nominal de 120 MVA e relação de tensão 13,8/230 kV, projetado para integrar uma fazenda eólica ao Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN). / This research presents a methodology based on two noninvasive techniques for identification and diagnostic of hot spots in power transformers during operation or project development. The first is based on measurements of infrared radiation from the equipment during operation and recording by thermography. The second technique is possible from the previous knowing of the constructive characteristics of the power transformer, by using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The second technique can be validated from measurements obtained using the first technique. The gas formation into the power transformers, because of the high temperatures in the insulating oil due to the hot spots, is discussed in details based on normative recommendations well established by the IEEE and IEC. All techniques and procedures to be approached in this research were obtained using a 120-MVA power transformer with voltage relationship of 13.8/230 kV that was projected to interconnect a wind farm to the Interconnected Brazilian System (Sistema Interligado Nacional - SIN).

Abstract Adding a dc circuit to an existing transmission line is one method of significantly increasing the power transfer capability of a transmission corridor. The resulting hybrid system has significant coupling between the ac and dc circuits, not only because of the proximity of the circuits, but also from the fact that they may share the same sending end or receiving end ac systems. The resultant interaction produces overvoltages on the dc system which can be somewhat higher than for a conventional dc scheme. This thesis investigates the overvoltages on a hybrid ac-dc transmission system and suggests some design considerations which could be taken into account to reduce stresses on certain critical components which result from such an arrangement. Blocking filters consisting of a parallel L-C combination in series with the dc converter were included to limit the flow of fundamental frequency current in the dc line. This thesis also investigates the proper blocking filter configuration to be used as an incorrectly chosen blocking filter can cause resonance overvoltages on the dc line at fundamental frequency. A method of eliminating dc components of the currents in the transformer windings of a dc converter is presented. The method uses the technique of firing angle modulation. It is shown that merely eliminating the fundamental frequency component on the dc side may not remove this dc component. The impact of such control action at one converter on the other converters in the dc transmission system is also presented. It is also shown that the undesirable side effects of such a scheme include increased generation of non-characteristic harmonies on both the ac and dc sides. The study is performed using an electromagnetic transients simulation program and theoretical calculations.

Abstract Adding a dc circuit to an existing transmission line is one method of significantly increasing the power transfer capability of a transmission corridor. The resulting hybrid system has significant coupling between the ac and dc circuits, not only because of the proximity of the circuits, but also from the fact that they may share the same sending end or receiving end ac systems. The resultant interaction produces overvoltages on the dc system which can be somewhat higher than for a conventional dc scheme. This thesis investigates the overvoltages on a hybrid ac-dc transmission system and suggests some design considerations which could be taken into account to reduce stresses on certain critical components which result from such an arrangement. Blocking filters consisting of a parallel L-C combination in series with the dc converter were included to limit the flow of fundamental frequency current in the dc line. This thesis also investigates the proper blocking filter configuration to be used as an incorrectly chosen blocking filter can cause resonance overvoltages on the dc line at fundamental frequency. A method of eliminating dc components of the currents in the transformer windings of a dc converter is presented. The method uses the technique of firing angle modulation. It is shown that merely eliminating the fundamental frequency component on the dc side may not remove this dc component. The impact of such control action at one converter on the other converters in the dc transmission system is also presented. It is also shown that the undesirable side effects of such a scheme include increased generation of non-characteristic harmonies on both the ac and dc sides. The study is performed using an electromagnetic transients simulation program and theoretical calculations.

abstract: With the penetration of distributed renewable energy and the development of semiconductor technology, power electronic devices could be utilized to interface re- newable energy generation and the distribution power grid. However, when directly connected to the power grid, the semiconductors inside the power electronic devices could be vulnerable to the power system transient, especially to lightning strikes. The work of this research focuses on the insulation coordination of power elec- tronic devices connected directly to the power distribution system. The Solid State Transformer (SST) in Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) system could be a good example for grid connected power electronic devices. Simulations were conducted in Power Systems Computer Aided Design (PSCAD) software. A simulation done to the FREEDM SST showed primary re- sults which were then compare to simulation done to the grid-connected operating Voltage Source Converter (VSC) to get more objective results. Based on the simulation results, voltage surges caused by lightning strikes could result in damage on the grid-connected electronic devices. Placing Metal Oxide Surge Arresers (MOSA, also known as Metal Oxide Surge Varistor, MOV) at the front lter could provide eective protection for those devices from power transient. Part of this research work was published as a conference paper and was presented at CIGRE US National Conference: Grid of the Future Symposium [1] and North American Power Symposium [2]. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Engineering 2017