High-Voltage Direct

current Transmission
When technical and/or economical feasibility of conventional
high-voltage AC transmission technology reach their limits,
HVDC transmission is the best solution. HVDC systems connect
two separated high-voltage AC systems via a DC link. The basic
principle of operation of an HVDC system is the conversion of
AC to DC and vice versa by means of converter valves
comprising power thyristors.
The primary application areas are:
p Economical transmission of bulk power over long distances
p Interconnection of asynchronous power grids without
increase in short-circuit power
p Submarine DC cable transmission
p Hybrid integration of HVDC into a synchronous AC system for
stability improvement
p Increase in transmission capacity by conversion of AC lines
into DC lines
The advantages are:
p DC links do not increase the short-circuit power
p DC links offer fast control of power fl ow, which is benefi cial
for sharing spinning reserve and supplying peak power
p The DC interconnection is like a fi rewall in case of cascading
disturbances
p Blackout prevention
p DC link controllability is benefi cial for:
Exact control of power fl ow in either direction
Enhancement of AC system stability
Reactive power control support of AC voltage
Frequency control
Overload capability
Emergency power function
Power oscillation damping
2.2.1 HVDC Systems
Main types of HVDC schemes
The main types of HVDC converters are distinguished by their
DC circuit arrangements (fi g. 2.2-1), as follows:
p Back-to-back:
Indicates that the rectifi er and inverter are located in the
same station. These converters are mainly used:
To connect asynchronous high-voltage power systems or
systems with different frequencies
To stabilize weak AC links or to supply even more active
power where the AC system reaches the limit of shortcircuit
capability
Grid power fl ow control within synchronous AC systems
p Cable transmission:
The most feasible solution for transmitting power across the
sea with cables to supply islands/offshore platforms from the
mainland and vice versa
p Long-distance transmission:
For transmission of bulk power over long distances
(beyond approximately 600 km, considered as the break-even
distance)
Special features
Valve technology
The thyristor valves perform the conversion from AC into DC and
thus make up the central component of any HVDC converter
station. Advantages of the valves are:
p Simple mechanical design, easy-to-maintain
p Use of fi re-retardant, self-extinguishing material (fi g. 2.2-2)
p Minimum number of electrical connections and components;
avoidance of potential sources of failure
p Parallel cooling for the valve levels
p De-ionized cooling water
p Direct light-triggered thyristors (LTT) with wafer-integrated
overvoltage protection. The standard solution for
transmission ratings up to 5,000 MW
p Electrically-triggered thyristors