HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission systems connect two separate high

voltage AC Systems via a DC link. The basic principle of operation of an HVDC system
is based on the conversion of AC to DC and vice-versa by means of converter valves
comprising power thyristors, which are the heart of a converter station.

Back To Back HVDC

Two independent neighbouring systems with different and incompatible

electrical parameters (Frequency / Voltage Level / Short Circuit Power Level)
connected via DC link.
Why Back to Back links?
- different system frequencies
- no additional short circuit power contribution to connected
networks
- fully controllable power flow

Long Distance / Sea

Cable

Two Remote AC systems, with a distance of normally 300 to 1400km (and more), are
coupled together via a DC line. One converter station terminal is usually located close to
the power generation and the other station in the load center.

Two AC systems separated by sea

(Distance: a few 10 km to 800 km and more)
Why Long Distance / Sea Cable HVDC?
- no reactive power loading of the transmission line
- complete control of energy flow
- no contribution to short circuit power in existing AC networks
- reduced losses

The following basic configurations are the most commonly

used:

Monopolar HVDC
- One HV line for DC current transmission
- Return path optionally via ground or a LV conductor
- Rating up to 1500 MW
Bipolar HVDC
- Two DC lines with +/- DC voltage level for transmission
- Rating up to 3000 MW
Operating modes of the Bipolar
System
If an outage occurs in one pole or one line, there are several operating
modes that allow continued operation of the healthy pole.
When designed, overload capabilities are used, half of the converter
equipment may be shut down is out of order, but less than half of the
power rating is lost.

Normal Bipolar Operation:

Monopolar operation, ground
return
(in case of fault in one DC line):
Monopolar operation, metallic
return
(in case of one converter pole fault):

Monopolar operation, ground return, two DC lines in

parallel

(in case of one converter pole fault):

 id(t) = Id

+ + Ld
ia ia1 ias1
 2N : 1
Vd1

-
Vd
+

ia2 ias2
(23)N : 1

Vd2

- -

Average DC Voltage :

Vd 32 3Ls
Vd1 = Vd2 = ------ = ----- VLL cos ------ Id
2

Reactive Power Drawn by Converter : ( fundamental frequency ) :

Q1 = 3 VLL (Ias1)1 sin

the rms value (of current) of its fundamental frequency is :

6
(Ias1)1 = ----- Id = 0,78 Id Q1 = 1,35 VLL Id sin

The real power transfer through each of the 6-pulse converters is :

Pd1 = Vd1 Id = 1,35 VLL Id cos