A multi-terminal high voltage DC (MTDC) grid, is an optimum and cost-effective transmission network to minimize the energy crisis worldwide largely. However, the core demand for a fast DC protection scheme with an extraordinary strict fault clearance time of a few milliseconds, is a key research gap in this network, holding back its development and scalability. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes a novel protection scheme for a meshed MTDC grid. The main goals of the scheme include accurate discrimination of a faulty line, rapid fault detection, fault location estimation, significant fault current reduction, and fully selective isolation of only the faulted line, while continuing normal power flow in the healthy grid zones. Reliability of the scheme for long and extra-long-distance power transmission is increased by aiding the differential protection and Type-D traveling wave (TW)-based algorithms utilizing the distributed optical current sensing technology with the other auxiliary methods and backup plans. These auxiliary methods include independent discrete wavelet transform (DWT), current derivative polarity principles with a minimum sample (short time) window, overcurrent relays, and AC circuit breakers (ACCBs). A faulty segment of a transmission line is accurately discriminated from the healthy ones by measuring a series of multi-point differential currents on it. A faulty line at a particular DC node is accurately discriminated using the differential protection by measuring the current flowing into or out of each line from each side at every node to obtain the algebraic sum. The current sum of a real-time local transient data and a delayed remote data is compared to a preset threshold level. DC fault current is significantly reduced below the breakable levels by coordinating bidirectional hybrid DC circuit breakers (HDCCBs) with the active and passive fault current limiters (FCLs) and the half bridge-VSC-based modular multilevel converters (MMCs). The proposed concepts are successfully verified by the simulation results under a variety of fault scenarios and are found to be accurate.

Cast-resin transformers are affected by deterioration due to manufacturing defects and continuous load. Studying PD, which is capable of detecting defects or degradation in advance, is important. With the rapid advancement of AI technologies, research on PD classification using CNN models is being actively conducted. However, due to the black box problem, it is impossible to explain the reasoning behind the learning outcomes. Therefore, relying solely on predictive outcomes of learning for PD classification raises issues of reliability. Recent studies in various fields are progressing with the application of XAI to address the black box issue of CNNs, aiming to identify the criteria used for making predictions. However, research on applying XAI in AI-based PD classification is currently insufficient. Therefore, further study on the implementation of XAI is necessary. In this paper, an excellent CNN model was applied to image classification for PD classification of cast-resin transformers, and the grad-cam model was used for XAI. This approach proposes a method for humans to comprehend the rationale behind the learning outcomes. The data used for training consists of artificial defects under laboratory conditions and noise measured in cast-resin transformers via UHF sensors. PD and noise classification due to defects was performed, and the reasons for successful and failed results were analyzed through XAI. Consequently, it was observed that the application of XAI to CNN models leads to the construction of a more reliable model.

Growing urbanization coupled with increased power demands have led to an increasing use of mixed power transmission lines with sections of overhead lines (OHL) and the underground cables. Due to differences in surge impedance of cables and OHL, voltage surges experience reflections and refractions at their boundaries which make the transient behavior of mixed high voltage direct current (HVDC) line quite peculiar. Lightning strikes on overhead sections of lines induce voltage surges that travel along OHL and enter the cable section. Lightning overvoltage can cause OHL insulators to flashover and stress cable insulation or cause its permanent breakdown. In this paper we simulated a fast front model of a mixed HVDC transmission line using an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation program (PSCAD) to analyze its transient behavior under a lightning strike. The leader progression model (LPM) has been used to predict the dielectric performance of OHL insulators. It has been shown that transition towers adjacent to the cable section are much less vulnerable to flashover than subsequent towers. The length of a riser section (connecting OHL and cable) and tower footing impedance have shown to significantly influence the flashover performance of OHL insulators. In addition, the length of cable segments and sheath grounding impedance have been found to influence cable overvoltage. This study can be used to evaluate the insulation coordination and overvoltage protection requirements for a mixed HVDC transmission line.

The calculation of the continuous allowable current of an underground cable is determined by various characteristics. To calculate the allowable current in cables with alternating magnetic fields such as AC, special phenomena such as the proximity effect and skin effect must be applied. However, there are no standards or research related to the calculation of the continuous allowable current of a DC power cable that does not have an alternating magnetic field. In this paper, a quantitative DC cable continuous allowable current calculation formula of direct burial laying was derived by applying the existing AC cable continuous allowable current calculation method to the DC system. We developed a calculation tool that can calculate the continuous allowable current of DC cables using the derived formula. Assuming the cable conditions (cable specification, laying conditions, soil characteristics, arrangement, and number of strands, etc.), a continuous allowable current simulation of DC cables was performed. In addition, the level of contribution to the continuous allowable current value was analyzed by classifying the parameter categories into major and minor factors in the order of influence on the allowable current among the determined calculated parameters. As a result, the effectiveness of the DC cable continuous allowable current calculation tool derived by performing the allowable current calculation simulation was evaluated, and the allowable current calculation method of the HVDC cable was established.

To meet the growing power demand of the future, utilities and researchers have considered the addition of dc circuits in existing transmission corridors. The previous research has focused on analyzing the field environment, steady state induction and the negative effects of induction in the hybrid transmission lines. The overhead ground wires (OHGWs) have been used only for improving the lightning performance of overhead lines (OHL). In this paper, the spatial position of OHGWs have been studied with the objective of minimizing the steady state induction between power conductors as well as poorly grounded metallic objects like railroads and fences present near the ac-dc OHL. Candidate space for placement of OHGWs having shielding failure rate (SFR) of less than 4 is identified using the conventional electro-geometric model (EGM). The steady state induction in the power conductors and nearby metallic objects is studied as a function of position of OHGWs using electro-magnetic transient (EMT) simulation. The results indicate a strong correlation between the height of OHGWs and magnitude of induced voltage in power conductors, and metallic objects underneath the transmission line. The conscious effort in placement of OHGWs can reduce the magnitude of induced voltages while ensuring adequate lightning performance.