Carrier frequency noise from HVDC converters

The development of an ac and dc side carrier frequency noise model for incorporation in the Bonneville Power Administration's ElectroMagnetic Transient Program (EMTP) is described. This model of an HVDC Station generates the characteristic wave shapes of voltages and currents in the time plane on which a Fast Fourier Transformer (FFT) is applied. The model representation of HVDC equipment such as converter transformers, smoothing reactors and harmonic filters is compared with de-energized impedance measurements of similar equipment in an HVDC Station. The carrier frequency range for the model covered is 10 kHz - 300 kHz. The measurements were obtained on the valve side and line side of the converter for both ac and dc sides. The calculated and measured noise were compared. The different measuring methods are described. A preferred measurement program is suggested and guidelines are indicated for power line carrier (plc) signal to noise ratios.