Hydropower plants contains a lot of vital electrical power technology such as generators and transformers. To prevent damage to this equipment due to overvoltage, they are often protected by surge arrester and in some cases also by surge capacitors. The design and dimension of these components vary between different sites and regions and are often done using a template without considering the actual conditions of the site. In this thesis Simulink and Simscape Power System are used to study the case when a hydropower station is exposed to overvoltage. One of Fortum’s hydropower stations is simulated when being exposed to lightning and switching overvoltage to see how the existing overvoltage protection handles this stress. The results show that the surge arresters mounted in front of the generator managed to keep it safe for all overvoltage scenarios it is exposed to. They also shows that the surge capacitors mounted in front of the generator reduces the gradient of the overvoltage surge. However, as the surge arresters already keeps the overvoltage at safe levels, there is no need of reducing the overvoltage gradient and the surge capacitors becomes excessive in this particular hydropower plant. / Vattenkraftverk innehåller många vitala komponenter så som generatorer och transformatorer. För att skydda dessa oftast väldigt dyra komponenter mot överspänningar, används ventilavledare och ibland också överspänningskondensatorer. Utformning och dimensionering av skydden varierar mellan olika anläggningar och regioner. Dimensioneringen av skydden görs ofta schablonmässigt, utan någon väsentlig anpassning till de faktiska förhållandena. I detta examensarbete används simuleringsverktyget Simulink tillsammans med tillägget Simscape Power Systems för att simulera vad som händer när ett vattenkraftverk utsätts för olika överspänningar. Ett av Fortums vattenkraftverk studeras när det utsätts för blixt- och kopplingsöverspänningar för att se vad ventilavledarna samt överspänningskondensatorerna i denna anläggning fyller för funktion. Resultaten visar att ventilavledarna monterade framför generatorn klarar av att hantera alla överspänningar de utsätt för under simuleringarna. Resultaten visade också att överspänningskondensatorerna monterade framför generatorn sänker spänningsgradienten, men eftersom ventilavledarna redan håller spänningen på en säker nivå blir överspänningskondensatorerna överflödiga i denna station.

Atualmente, em virtude do aumento da demanda energética surgem diversas preocupações devido à escassez dos recursos energéticos tradicionais e os impactos ambientais proporcionados pelos mesmos. Neste contexto, para atender a demanda, diversos investimentos têm sido feitos no desenvolvimento de gerações alternativas e renováveis de energia, bem como na interconexão entre países para exportação de energia. Assim, os estudos exigem soluções mais eficazes para transmissão de energia elétrica, como os sistemas de transmissão High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), uma alternativa aos sistemas de transmissão atuais, que são predominantemente em Corrente Alternada (CA). Dentre as principais vantagens dos sistemas HVDC, destaca-se a possibilidade de transmissão de grandes montantes de energia a longas distâncias com baixas perdas. Desta forma, eles estão susceptíveis às mais diversas condições meteorológicas e geográficas, em regiões isoladas, o que os tornam vulneráveis a descargas atmosféricas, afetando a segurança do sistema. Assim, neste trabalho, foi simulado um sistema HVDC, utilizando conversores Voltage Source Converter (VSC) do tipo modular multinível, do inglês Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC), frente descargas atmosféricas. Foram analisados diversos casos, visando verificar o comportamento dos conversores e validar a eficácia da utilização de para-raios de óxido metálico, comumente chamado de para-raios de óxido de zinco (ZnO), visto que este é um componente geralmente empregado em sistemas CA. O trabalho apresenta uma revisão acerca dos sistemas VSC-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC), tratando principalmente dos conversores MMC. Também foram descritos todos os modelos utilizados nas simulações, as quais foram realizadas através do software PSCAD/EMTDC. Concluiu-se que o correto dimensionamento e locação dos para-raios operam adequadamente em sistemas Corrente Contínua (CC). Um outro fato interresante é que a sobretensão gerada pelo surto atmosférico se propaga para o lado CA ao incidir no lado CC, mas o contrário não ocorre. / Nowadays, due to the increase in energy demand, several concerns arise due to the scarcity of traditional energy resources and the environmental impacts. In this context, to meet the demand, several investments have been made in the development of alternative and renewable generations of energy, as well as in the interconnection among countries for energy exports. Thus, studies require more effective solutions for electric power transmission, such as VSC-HVDC systems, an alternative to current transmission systems, which are predominantly in CA. Among the main advantages of VSC-HVDC systems, we can highlight the possibility of transmitting large amounts of energy over long distances with low losses. In this way, they are susceptible to the most diverse meteorological and geographic conditions, in isolated regions, which make them vulnerable to lightning, affecting the safety of the system. Thus, in this work, an HVDC system was simulated using VSC converters of the multilevel modular type (MMC) in front of lightnings. Several cases were analyzed in order to verify the behavior of the converters and validate the effectiveness of the use of metal oxide arresters, also known as ZnO arresters, since this is a commonly used component in CA systems. The work presents a review about the VSC-HVDC systems, mainly dealing with the MMC converters. We also described all the models used in the simulations, which were performed through the PSCAD/EMTDC software. It was concluded that the correct dimensioning and location of the arresters operate properly in CC systems. Another interresting fact is that the overvoltage generated by the lightning propagates to the AC side when it hits the CC side, but the reverse does not occur.

Atualmente, em virtude do aumento da demanda energética surgem diversas preocupações devido à escassez dos recursos energéticos tradicionais e os impactos ambientais proporcionados pelos mesmos. Neste contexto, para atender a demanda, diversos investimentos têm sido feitos no desenvolvimento de gerações alternativas e renováveis de energia, bem como na interconexão entre países para exportação de energia. Assim, os estudos exigem soluções mais eficazes para transmissão de energia elétrica, como os sistemas de transmissão High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), uma alternativa aos sistemas de transmissão atuais, que são predominantemente em Corrente Alternada (CA). Dentre as principais vantagens dos sistemas HVDC, destaca-se a possibilidade de transmissão de grandes montantes de energia a longas distâncias com baixas perdas. Desta forma, eles estão susceptíveis às mais diversas condições meteorológicas e geográficas, em regiões isoladas, o que os tornam vulneráveis a descargas atmosféricas, afetando a segurança do sistema. Assim, neste trabalho, foi simulado um sistema HVDC, utilizando conversores Voltage Source Converter (VSC) do tipo modular multinível, do inglês Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC), frente descargas atmosféricas. Foram analisados diversos casos, visando verificar o comportamento dos conversores e validar a eficácia da utilização de para-raios de óxido metálico, comumente chamado de para-raios de óxido de zinco (ZnO), visto que este é um componente geralmente empregado em sistemas CA. O trabalho apresenta uma revisão acerca dos sistemas VSC-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC), tratando principalmente dos conversores MMC. Também foram descritos todos os modelos utilizados nas simulações, as quais foram realizadas através do software PSCAD/EMTDC. Concluiu-se que o correto dimensionamento e locação dos para-raios operam adequadamente em sistemas Corrente Contínua (CC). Um outro fato interresante é que a sobretensão gerada pelo surto atmosférico se propaga para o lado CA ao incidir no lado CC, mas o contrário não ocorre. / Nowadays, due to the increase in energy demand, several concerns arise due to the scarcity of traditional energy resources and the environmental impacts. In this context, to meet the demand, several investments have been made in the development of alternative and renewable generations of energy, as well as in the interconnection among countries for energy exports. Thus, studies require more effective solutions for electric power transmission, such as VSC-HVDC systems, an alternative to current transmission systems, which are predominantly in CA. Among the main advantages of VSC-HVDC systems, we can highlight the possibility of transmitting large amounts of energy over long distances with low losses. In this way, they are susceptible to the most diverse meteorological and geographic conditions, in isolated regions, which make them vulnerable to lightning, affecting the safety of the system. Thus, in this work, an HVDC system was simulated using VSC converters of the multilevel modular type (MMC) in front of lightnings. Several cases were analyzed in order to verify the behavior of the converters and validate the effectiveness of the use of metal oxide arresters, also known as ZnO arresters, since this is a commonly used component in CA systems. The work presents a review about the VSC-HVDC systems, mainly dealing with the MMC converters. We also described all the models used in the simulations, which were performed through the PSCAD/EMTDC software. It was concluded that the correct dimensioning and location of the arresters operate properly in CC systems. Another interresting fact is that the overvoltage generated by the lightning propagates to the AC side when it hits the CC side, but the reverse does not occur.

abstract: Prior work in literature has illustrated the benefits of using surge arrester as a way to improve the lighting performance of the substation and transmission line. Installing surge arresters would enhance the system reliability but it comes with an extra capital expenditure. This thesis provides simulation analysis to examine substation-specific applications of surge arrester as a way of determining the optimal, cost-effective placement of surge arresters. Four different surge arrester installation configurations are examined for the 500/230 kV Rudd substation which belongs to the utility, Salt River Project (SRP). The most efficient configuration is identified in this thesis. A new method “voltage-distance curve” is proposed in this work to evaluate different surge arrester installation configurations. Simulation results show that surge arresters only need to be equipped on certain location of the substation and can still ensure sufficient lightning protection. With lower tower footing resistance, the lightning performance of the transmission line can typically be improved. However, when surge arresters are installed in the system, the footing resistance may have either negative or positive effect on the lightning performance. Different situations for both effects are studied in this thesis. This thesis proposes a surge arrester installation strategy for the overhead transmission line lightning protection. In order to determine the most efficient surge arrester configuration of transmission line, the entire transmission line is divided into several line sections according to the footing resistance of its towers. A line section consists of the towers which have similar footing resistance. Two different designs are considered for transmission line lightning protection, they include: equip different number of surge arrester on selected phase of every tower, equip surge arresters on all phases of selected towers. By varying the number of the towers or the number of phases needs to be equipped with surge arresters, the threshold voltage for line insulator flashover is used to evaluate different surge arrester installation configurations. The way to determine the optimal surge arresters configuration for each line section is then introduced in this thesis. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Electrical Engineering 2018

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-04-21T14:21:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 GERALDO BEZERRA LIMA JÚNIOR - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGEE 2014..pdf: 4130681 bytes, checksum: 7aa2b6dbcd9d18892be46ec5c14536b6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-21T14:21:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 GERALDO BEZERRA LIMA JÚNIOR - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGEE 2014..pdf: 4130681 bytes, checksum: 7aa2b6dbcd9d18892be46ec5c14536b6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-09-02 / Nos dias atuais a confiabilidade e a continuidade no fornecimento de energia elétrica são cada vez mais exigidos. Os para-raios tem uma importante função neste processo que é de proteger os demais equipamentos integrantes da rede elétrica de sobretensões atmosféricas e de manobra. Quando falham, normalmente provocam o desligamento de linhas de transmissão ou de transformadores, penalizando severamente a concessionária pela indisponibilidade ou por multas impostas pela agência reguladora. Como todo equipamento importante para o sistema elétrico, os para-raios necessitam de técnicas eficazes de monitoramento. Na literatura e na indústria podem ser encontradas diversas técnicas, procedimentos ou equipamentos destinados ao seu monitoramento. Todos os procedimentos ou equipamentos possuem suas limitações, vantagens e desvantagens, sejam elas técnicas, econômicas ou operacionais. Visando suplantar algumas das limitações existentes nas técnicas e procedimentos normalmente empregados no setor elétrico, encontrase proposto neste trabalho uma metodologia de análise da condição operacional de para-raios em campo, com base em medições da corrente de fuga total. Com esta metodologia pretende-se minimizar as dificuldades operacionais relacionadas às atividades de monitoramento, uma vez que será medida apenas a corrente de fuga total, diferentemente de técnicas e procedimentos usuais que requerem também a medição da tensão aplicada. Um banco de dados de correntes de fuga foi obtido com medições realizadas em 05 (cinco) subestações. As medições foram agrupadas por modelo/fabricante e tempo de operação dos para-raios. O instrumento de medição utilizado é composto de um amperímetro do tipo alicate e um osciloscópio digital portátil. O processo de medição em campo mostrou-se efetivo e prático devido à facilidade de manuseio do instrumento utilizado. Ensaios em laboratório foram realizados para avaliação da metodologia e dos instrumentos de medição. A partir da base de dados produzida, foi possível com emprego de técnicas de processamento de sinais e estatística, observar o comportamento gaussiano dos dados e o crescimento do valor médio da componente de 3ª harmônica da corrente total em função do tempo de operação, evidenciando, assim, a correlação entre a elevação da corrente de fuga e a diminuição da vida útil dos para-raios. / Nowadays the reliability and continuity in the electricity supply are increasingly required. The surge arresters has an important function in this process, which is to protect the other utility equipment against lightning and switching surges. When they fail, usually causing the shutdown of transmission lines or transformers, severely penalizing the power utility for the unavailability or regulator fines. As any important equipment for the electrical system, surge arresters need effective monitoring techniques. In the literature and industry several techniques, procedures or equipment for their monitoring can be found. All procedures or devices have their limitations, advantages and disadvantages, whether technical, economic or operational. Aiming to overcome some of the limitations in existing techniques and procedures commonly employed in the electrical industry, a methodology for analyzing the surge arrester operational condition based on measurements of total leakage current is proposed in this paper. With this methodology is intended to minimize operational difficulties associated with monitoring activities, since it will only measure the total leakage current unlike the usual techniques and procedures, which require the measurement of the applied voltage, too. A database of leakage currents with measurements performed in five (05) power substations was obtained. Measurements were grouped by arresters model/manufacturer and operation time. The measuring instrument used consists of a clamp type ammeter and a portable digital oscilloscope. The process of field measurement was effective and practical due to the ease of handling of the used instrument. Laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the methodology and measuring instruments. From the database produced, it was possible through the use of techniques of signal processing and statistical observe the Gaussian behavior of the data and the average increase of the 3rd harmonic component of the total current as a function of operating time, which highlights thus, the correlation between the increase of the leakage current and the decrease of the lifetime of the surge arrester.

A tendência mundial de crescimento do consumo de energia elétrica requer novas unidades de geração para suprimento de demanda. Além disso, há preocupação na diversificação da matriz energética, e as fontes de energia nem sempre são de fácil acesso aos grandes centros de consumo, o que traz a problemática do transporte de energia elétrica. Sistemas em Corrente Alternada (CA) têm sido empregados na transmissão de energia há décadas, e atualmente os sistemas de transmissão em Corrente Contínua (CC) mostram-se uma opção vantajosa tanto na transmissão ponto a ponto por longas distâncias, quanto para múltiplos terminais, integrando diferentes fontes geradoras de energia. Os conhecidos sistemas de transmissão CC em alta tensão baseados em conversores comutados pela rede têm aplicações consolidadas ao redor do mundo, enquanto que, para a emergente tecnologia dos conversores comutados por largura de pulso (PWM), poucos estudos mostram seu desempenho frente transitórios na rede. A exposição do extenso perímetro das linhas de transmissão às condições geográficas e climatológicas motiva esta pesquisa perante a incidência de impulsos atmosféricos, tendo em vista que a maior parte dos estudos têm avaliado transitórios eletromagnéticos ocasionados por faltas. Para tanto, uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema de pesquisa é apresentada, com a descrição dos principais componentes de sistemas HVDC, a análise de sistemas VSC-HVDC, utilizando conversores dois níveis, frente transitórios eletromagnéticos provocados pela incidência direta de descargas atmosféricas tanto na rede CA quanto no elo CC, utilizando o software comercial PSCAD/EMTD para a simulação e modelagem dos para-raios de Óxido de Zinco (ZnO), linha de transmissão, conversores e atuação do controle. / The worlwide trend of growing electricity consumption requires new generation units to supply demand. In addition, there is concern in the diversification of the energy matrix, and energy sources are not always easily accessible to large consumption centers, which brings the problem of transportation of electric energy. Alternating Current (AC) systems have been used in power transmission for decades, and Direct Current (DC) transmission systems are now an advantageous option in both point-to-point transmission over long distances and across multiple terminals, integrating different sources of energy. Known High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems based on Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) have consolidated applications around the world, while for the emerging technology of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) converters, few studies show their network transient performance. The exposition of the extensive perimeter of the transmission lines to the geographic and climatological conditions motivates this research considering the incidence of atmospheric impulses, and that the major part of the studies available have evaluated electromagnetic transients caused by faults. In this context, a literature review on the research topic is presented, with the description of the main components of HVDC systems, the analysis of VSC-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC) systems, using twolevel converters, electromagnetic transients caused by the direct incidence of atmospheric discharges in both the AC network, and in the CC link. The analysis uses the commercial software PSCAD/EMTD for the simulation and modeling of ZnO arresters, transmission line, converters and control actuation.

A tendência mundial de crescimento do consumo de energia elétrica requer novas unidades de geração para suprimento de demanda. Além disso, há preocupação na diversificação da matriz energética, e as fontes de energia nem sempre são de fácil acesso aos grandes centros de consumo, o que traz a problemática do transporte de energia elétrica. Sistemas em Corrente Alternada (CA) têm sido empregados na transmissão de energia há décadas, e atualmente os sistemas de transmissão em Corrente Contínua (CC) mostram-se uma opção vantajosa tanto na transmissão ponto a ponto por longas distâncias, quanto para múltiplos terminais, integrando diferentes fontes geradoras de energia. Os conhecidos sistemas de transmissão CC em alta tensão baseados em conversores comutados pela rede têm aplicações consolidadas ao redor do mundo, enquanto que, para a emergente tecnologia dos conversores comutados por largura de pulso (PWM), poucos estudos mostram seu desempenho frente transitórios na rede. A exposição do extenso perímetro das linhas de transmissão às condições geográficas e climatológicas motiva esta pesquisa perante a incidência de impulsos atmosféricos, tendo em vista que a maior parte dos estudos têm avaliado transitórios eletromagnéticos ocasionados por faltas. Para tanto, uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema de pesquisa é apresentada, com a descrição dos principais componentes de sistemas HVDC, a análise de sistemas VSC-HVDC, utilizando conversores dois níveis, frente transitórios eletromagnéticos provocados pela incidência direta de descargas atmosféricas tanto na rede CA quanto no elo CC, utilizando o software comercial PSCAD/EMTD para a simulação e modelagem dos para-raios de Óxido de Zinco (ZnO), linha de transmissão, conversores e atuação do controle. / The worlwide trend of growing electricity consumption requires new generation units to supply demand. In addition, there is concern in the diversification of the energy matrix, and energy sources are not always easily accessible to large consumption centers, which brings the problem of transportation of electric energy. Alternating Current (AC) systems have been used in power transmission for decades, and Direct Current (DC) transmission systems are now an advantageous option in both point-to-point transmission over long distances and across multiple terminals, integrating different sources of energy. Known High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems based on Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) have consolidated applications around the world, while for the emerging technology of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) converters, few studies show their network transient performance. The exposition of the extensive perimeter of the transmission lines to the geographic and climatological conditions motivates this research considering the incidence of atmospheric impulses, and that the major part of the studies available have evaluated electromagnetic transients caused by faults. In this context, a literature review on the research topic is presented, with the description of the main components of HVDC systems, the analysis of VSC-based HVDC (VSC-HVDC) systems, using twolevel converters, electromagnetic transients caused by the direct incidence of atmospheric discharges in both the AC network, and in the CC link. The analysis uses the commercial software PSCAD/EMTD for the simulation and modeling of ZnO arresters, transmission line, converters and control actuation.

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.

Any switching action or lightning stroke on a transmission system causes excessive of voltage, which are propagated through the equipment. The withstand capability of the electrical equipment to these overvoltages is dependent on the rate of rise, peak value and the duration of these overvoltages and are especially critical to information technology (IT) equipment. Whenever there is a probability of these overvoltages appearing across the electrical equipment, they should be limited to a safe value by the application surge arresters of the metal oxide type. However, surge arresters are expensive, an optimal location for these should be found so as to minimise the number of surge arresters used.