Evaluation of the interference effects of HVDC fault on a buried pipeline

Abstract

HVDC transmission systems have potential effects on buried pipelines in their vicinity. Thereby, significant interferences can arise when a fault occurs on an HVDC overhead line, depending on factors such as the distance between the line and the pipeline, the exposure length, the soil resistivity, and the line configuration. This paper investigates the effects of these parameters on the pipeline’s induced transient overvoltage. Under normal operating conditions, only small current variations occur in the poles, and their electromagnetic field effects are negligible. However, when a pole-to-ground fault occurs, a transient stage lasting a few milliseconds leads to a significant increase in the electromagnetic field. This paper presents a variety of simulation studies obtained using an electromagnetic transients software (EMTP). Simulations were conducted for different HVDC configurations, specifically symmetric monopolar and bipolar setups. The results show that the induced voltage is significantly higher in bipolar configuration, but in both cases, the effects are not negligible. Precautions must be taken to mitigate adverse effects on the pipeline, particularly regarding its cathodic protection, and to prevent electrocution through contact with the pipeline. The effects on the human body during transient events were analyzed based on various models, considering both the magnitude of the current passing through the body and the duration of the exposure. The findings indicate that with appropriate protection measures in place, there is no risk to human safety and no risk of damage to the pipeline system.

Thibault Dechambenoit, A.Xemard, J. Morales, J. Mahseredjian, A.Zama, P.Daza

Presented at IPST 2025