The effect of converter configurations of HVDC links on sub- and super-synchronous disturbances to turbine units

In this paper, the rotor torque disturbances to turbine–generator units arising from harmonic interactions between converters of a HVDC system are studied. It is shown that a distinct-pulse converter configuration will be a better choice for avoiding sub- or super-synchronous resonance. For an asynchronous HVDC link, the risk of electromechanical resonance could be completely got rid of on either side of the link, no matter what directions the powers flow, if an 18-pulse converter were used on the 60 Hz side and a 12-pulse converter on the 50 Hz side. Such a configuration could still perform well even under the large frequency deviations. Furthermore, it shows that power system type plays a significant role on the possible excitation of resonance and on the probably damaging sections of a turbine–generator unit. Good match of the converter configuration and power system type is significant for a HVDC link to exempt from sub- and super-synchronous resonance.