High Voltage DC Transmission

Prof. S. V. Kulkarni

EE 334 Power systems

Topic 13: High Voltage DC Transmission

HVDC link

Block diagram of HVDC system

EE 334 Power systems Ketan Badgujar Prof. S. V. Kulkarni 2

Topic 13: High Voltage DC Transmission

Introduction
HVDC Link: can act as a stable tie between two large AC systems Fluctuations in one system do not affect the other & power flow between the systems can be easily controlled Advantages of HVDC: 1. Line loading
Permissible loading of EHV-AC lines is limited by transient stability limit and the line reactances to nearly 30-40% of the thermal rating of conductors. No such limit is there for HVDC

2. Surge impedance loading (SIL)

Long EHV-AC lines are generally loaded to less than 0.8 SIL. No such limitation for HVDC lines
EE 334 Power systems Ketan Badgujar

Prof. S. V. Kulkarni

Topic 13: High Voltage DC Transmission

Advantages of HVDC
3. Voltage variations due to Q absorption in AC systems

4 Skin effect is absent

5. No. of lines
AC systems typically have two three-phase lines. HVDC system requires only one bi-pole line for the purpose (reliability can be better)

6. Earth return option can be exercised (double-circuit

configuration may be dispensed with) 7. Intermediate substations
AC systems requires intermediate substations for reactive power compensation HVDC lines do not require reactive power compensation
EE 334 Power systems Ketan Badgujar Prof. S. V. Kulkarni 4

Topic 13: High Voltage DC Transmission

Advantages of HVDC

contd..

8. Asynchronous tie (50 and 60 Hz systems can be connected) 9. Better control: Power flow can be controlled, modulated or reversed to damp power swings in the connected AC systems 10. Corona loss and radio interference levels are less for HVDC 11. Continuous (capacitive) charging currents are absent 12. Cable transmission is advantageous (e.g., through sea) the option is attractive for large off-shore wind farms 13. Tower size is smaller (less number of conductors) 14. It is economical for long distance transmission (a typical breakeven distance is 800 km) 15. Flexibility of operation: Lines may be operated in a mono-polar mode with earth as the return path in emergencies (e.g., when there is a fault on the other line/pole)
EE 334 Power systems Ketan Badgujar Prof. S. V. Kulkarni 5

Topic 13: High Voltage DC Transmission

Advantages of HVDC

contd..

16. Modular upgradation: DC valves can be connected in series and parallel to obtain desired DC voltages and currents 17. AC short circuit levels can be lower in presence of an HVDC link 18. Effects of faults on the DC link can be easily mitigated - Shortcircuits currents are usually limited to twice the rated current through automatic convertor control 19. Better control strategies: The link can be operated either in constant current or constant voltage mode. 20. No stability problem for HVDC, and it can improve stability of the connected AC networks

EE 334 Power systems Ketan Badgujar

Prof. S. V. Kulkarni

Topic 13: High Voltage DC Transmission

Disadvantages of HVDC

Adverse effects of harmonics Reactive power requirements by converters No easy way of voltage/current transformation Overloading capacity is less (due to power electronic switches) Complexity of control Earth return
Interference with railway signaling circuits

Breaking of DC currents at high voltages is not easy

EE 334 Power systems Ketan Badgujar

Prof. S. V. Kulkarni