Conversion of AC multi-circuit lines to
AC-DC hybrid lines with respect
to the environmental impact
B. Sander*, (Axpo Power AG - Switzerland) - J. Lundquist, I. Gutman, (STRI AB - Sweden)
C. Neumann, B. Rusek, (Amprion GmbH - Germany) - K.-H. Weck, (FGH - Germany)
Abstract
New corridors for high power transmission are needed
in Central Europe. DC Transmission is favoured
for distances above some hundred kilometres. The
conversion of AC Circuits of existing Overhead lines to
DC Circuits is of major interest to minimize the overall
environmental impact of the transmission system and
to facilitate the acquisition of new right-of-ways for new
line corridors. Theoretical and experimental studies
were performed to show the feasibility of the conversion
of one 380 kV AC Circuit of an existing multi-circuit line
to DC. The results related to the dielectric performance
and electric field issues are presented. It is concluded
that a DC link for long distance power transmission
from the north to the south of Central Europe can be
established by conversion of existing 380 kV AC circuits
into ±400 kV DC circuits. A comprehensive study is
needed for each specific case to determine the benefit of
the conversion.
1. Background
Caused by the changed generation scenario due to
strongly increased generation from renewables and by
additional horizontal power flows of the EHV grid due to
a considerable increase of trading activities transmission
capacity has to be significantly increased.
The extension of the existing EHV grid on the 220 kV
and 380 kV level in Central Europe presumably cannot
avoid contingencies, since this grid will reach its capacity
limits and due to extensive loading stability problems
cannot be excluded. Therefore an overlay DC grid is
*bernhard.sander@gmx.ch
INDEX TERMS
AC-DC-Line Conversion, Hybrid Transmission Lines, Multi-circuit Lines
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
36
under consideration. Due to the lack of new transmission
line corridors and public concerns against the erection
of new transmission lines the conversion of 380 kV AC
transmission circuits on existing EHV lines into 400
kV or 500 kV DC circuits is of major interest. Thus
the hybrid technology combining AC and DC circuits
on the same towers had to be studied. If feasible, it will
help to reduce the overall environmental impact of the
transmission system considerably.
Hence the Grid operators Axpo Power AG and
Amprion GmbH started several years ago to study the
technical feasibility of hybrid lines. The main focus was
concentrated on the conversion of one 380 kV AC Circuit
of an existing multi-circuit line to DC. The present paper
reports on the results related to the dielectric behaviour
and electric field issues (Chapter 3 and 4). STRI and
FGH made important contributions. The benefits of
such a conversion are described in Chapter 4.
2. Feasibilty study
In a first step, a feasibility study was carried out regarding
possible DC voltage levels and increase in power capacity
of Axpo’s (since 2013 Swissgrid’s) double-circuit 380 kV
lines considering the dimensions of the existing lines
and accounting for environmental aspects. Two typical
tower designs with main dimensions as shown in Figure
2-1 were selected for the feasibility study. Both types are
equipped with phase conductors AAAC (Aldrey) of 2 x
600 mm2 and a diameter of 32.0 mm and a bundle spacing
of 400 mm and with shield wires OPGW of 1 x 95 mm2
and a diameter of 13.0 mm. It is assumed that one AC
circuit remains while the other AC circuit is converted
 Figure 2-1: Main dimensions of the two tower types used in the feasibility study

Figure 2-2: DC polarity configurations studied with regard to environmental effects

to a DC bipole using two of the phase conductors with
the third phase as neutral conductor for metallic return,
thereby forming a “hybrid” ACDC line.
In order to find the most favorable polarity assignment
for the DC conductors with regard to environmental
effects, six different configurations were investigated for
each tower type as shown in Figure 2-2. The following
DC voltage levels were studied: ±350, ±400, and ±450 kV.
2.1. Corona and field effects
The environmental effects of the hybrid line were studied
with focus on audible noise (AN) and electric fields at
ground level produced by the AC and DC conductors.
AC conductors will get an additional DC component,
and vice versa, which affects the
L50 AN levels were calculated in rain and fair weather
conditions using peak voltage gradients to account for
the induced DC and AC components in accordance with
the method described in [1]. It should be noted that AN
levels of AC lines are highest in rainy weather while the
opposite is true for DC lines due to space-charge effects,
and that the major AN generation of a DC line is caused
by the positive conductor. It was found the AN levels in
rain actually decrease when converting one AC circuit
to DC; therefore, only the calculated AN levels in fair
weather for distances of 15 and 20 m from the centreline
are shown in Figure 2-3 for the two tower types.

On a hybrid line, static charges are induced on the AC The electric field at ground from the DC line for a 10
conductors by the DC electric field, and time-varying m minimum conductor height was calculated using the
charges are induced on the DC conductors by the AC AnyPole program which accounts for field enhancing
electric field. Thus, the surface voltage gradient of the effects of space charges generated by corona on the

Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015

37
 Figure 2-3: AN level in fair weather for different polarity configurations
Figure 2-4: Maximum DC electric field levels for configurations 1A-1F and 2A-2F
DC conductors [2] [3]. The program provides the
approximate L10 level (exceeded 10% of the time) in fair
weather during no-wind conditions when using default
values for the corona onset gradients, i.e., 14 and 13 kV/
cm for positive and negative conductors, respectively
[2]. These onset gradients correspond to corona onset
voltages of 190-230 kV. The maximum DC electric field
levels are shown in Figure 2-4. The AC electric field at
ground is slightly modified under the remaining AC
circuit, but diminishes under the converted circuit (the
DC conductors are considered grounded from AC point
of view).
The results of these calculations by AnyPole are very
conservative and could not be confirmed by the
measurements reported in chapter 3.3. Furthermore,
in reality the conductor-to-ground clearances are much
higher due to standardized tower designs – mostly 15 m
or more, especially for tower type 1.
Since the AC corona and field effects are only
marginally affected by converting one circuit to DC, the
selection of the most favourable polarity configuration
was entirely based on DC corona and field effects. By
putting a somewhat higher priority on the audible
noise level, configurations 1A and 2F were finally
selected (configuration 2A provides better accessibility
but shows higher electric field levels outside the
right-of-way).
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
38
By comparing the calculated audible noise and electric
field levels with generally acceptable limits (no national
limits exist for DC lines), it was concluded that a DC
voltage level of ±400 kV would be feasible with regard to
corona and field effects. At this voltage level, for normal
conductor heights, the maximum electric field and ion
current density become less than 25 kV/m and 100 nA/
cm2 respectively, as recommended by CIGRE [4].
2.2 DC insulator dimensioning
The existing ceramic insulators cannot be used for DC
voltage due to pollution and corrosion issues; therefore
composite insulators were proposed for the replacement
in order to utilize the available space in the most efficient
way. The dimensions of the composite insulators were
determined by a statistical calculation method [5], [6]
for three pollution levels in terms of the 2% Equivalent
Salt Deposit Density (ESDD) level: 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06
mg/cm2, representing low-to-average values within
the medium pollution severity range according to IEC
60815-1. The calculations were based on available
data from laboratory pollution tests on composite DC
insulators in combination with an acceptable pollution
flashover rate (once in 10 years for a 100 km line) and
an estimated frequency of pollution events (10 events
per year). The required insulator length for a DC voltage
level of ±400 kV is shown in Table 2-1. The length of the
existing AC insulators is 3.8m.
2.3 Conductor safety clearance to ground
The minimum safety clearance to ground for the 380
kV AC lines is 11.3 m according to Swiss national
regulations. No regulations exist for DC lines; therefore
the general approach used in EN 50341-1 was tentatively
applied. The approach is based on relating the required
safety clearance to the transient flashover voltage of the
insulators by applying different gap factors for the arcing
distance of the insulators and for the distance between
conductor and ground (See also chapter 3.2). By using
the prospective DC insulator lengths, see Table 2-1, the
required safety clearance to ground is 8-10 m based on
lightning overvoltages (switching overvoltages are low on
DC lines). Since this is less than the existing requirement
for AC lines, it was conservatively decided to keep the
existing 11.3 m minimum safety clearance requirement
unchanged, independent of the DC insulator length.
Consequently, the corona and field effects calculated for
a minimum height of 10 m are conservative.
Table 2-1: Required insulator lengths for different 2% ESDD levels for
DC operation at ±400 kV
2.4 Evaluation of thermal power rating
Using the required DC composite insulator lengths,
see Table 2-1, the maximum allowable conductor sag
was determined for a ruling span length of 300 m while
respecting the minimum conductor clearance to ground
of 11.3 m as well as the maximum conductor temperature
of +80°C. Since the required DC insulator length exceeds
the existing AC insulator length at the higher pollution
levels, see Table 2-1, the maximum conductor sag is
limited either by the minimum conductor clearance to
ground or by the maximum conductor temperature, as
shown in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2: Maximum conductor sag and temperature for different 2%
ESDD levels in DC operation
The maximum conductor temperatures were used
to calculate the maximum current ratings at ambient
temperatures of 0°C, +20°C, and +40°C utilizing the
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
39
CIGRE basic rating method [7] assuming a wind
speed of 0.6 m/s at 90º, a solar irradiation of 1000 W/
m2, an emissivity of 0.7, and an absorptivity of 0.8. The
corresponding thermal power rating was calculated
assuming service voltage levels of ±400 kV DC and 380
kV AC with cos j = 0.90, as shown in Figure 2-5. Since
the transmission capacity of an AC line is often limited
by stability constraints, the surge impedance loading
(SIL) is indicated as well (about 600 MW for both tower
types).
Figure 2-5: Thermal power rating and SIL of 380 kV AC line, and
thermal power rating of ±400 kV DC line for different 2% ESDD levels
with the ambient temperature as
parameter
It can be concluded from the feasibility study, that
the increase in power capacity by conversion to DC is
substantial, especially when compared with the SIL
capacity of the AC line. It is however required that
the pollution severity is relatively low, so that the
DC insulators do not become excessively long, thus
endangering the required clearance to ground.
3. Experimental studies of the
design and layout of ac-dc
hybrid lines
The general feasibility of conversion of existing AC
circuits into DC circuit and thus establishing an AC-DC
hybrid transmission line was confirmed by the study
presented in chapter 2. However, further investigations
have to be conducted, if real projects are to be realized.
Therefore, the German grid operator Amprion decided
to perform theoretical and experimental investigations
on the design and layout of AC-DC hybrid lines. Besides
 Figure 3-1: Hybrid AC-DC configuration with an AC and a DC circuit on the same
side of the tower
the two configurations described in chapter 2, a third
configuration was considered (Figure 3-1). In this
configuration an AC and a DC circuit are located on the
same side of the tower, thus the AC and DC conductors
are arranged side by side.
Presently, there are no standards available for such AC-DC
hybrid lines [8]. Hence, the mechanical and electrical design
issues needed to be studied from a very basic level. This
chapter deals with the experimental studies and findings.
The theoretical studies were already reported in [9].
3.1 Mechanical design and layout
For the mechanical design of hybrid lines the Standard
EN 50341 for AC lines, which corresponds to
IEC 60826 [10] can be applied, as long as the mechanical
loadings are comparable. This will be fulfilled, if the
conductors remain unchanged and due to the application
of composite insulators the weight of the insulators
including the fittings will be smaller or the same at most
compared to the previously installed long rod porcelain
or glass cap and pin insulators. In this way the stress at
the suspension point is the same.
The mechanical design of the insulators and the fittings
can be performed according to rules of the above
mentioned AC Standard. However, it has to be considered
Figure 3-2: Model arrangements for determination of air clearances
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
40
that the DC application requires better electric shielding
and longer insulators due to longer creepage distances.
3.2 Dielectric design and layout
The basic dielectric design can be based on the principles
of the insulation coordination procedure given in IEC
60071-2 [11]. For determination of the required air
clearances to earth, to the neutral conductor and between
AC phase and DC pole conductors investigations on
model arrangements in a HV  laboratory were carried
out. The model arrangements are presented in Fig. 3-2.
For determination of the air clearances slow front
overvoltages are mainly of interest. On DC lines these
are mainly caused by overvoltages due to an earth fault
[4]. At a line length of 500…600  km overvoltages of
1.5…1.7  pu have to be assumed. Therefore the model
arrangements were subjected to switching impulse
voltages to find out the gap factor K of the configuration
in question. By means of the gap factors determined, the
minimum air clearances to the crossarms as well as to
the earthed return conductor were established for the
different DC voltages (Table 3-1).
For determination of the air clearance between AC phase
and DC pole conductors a combined voltage stress has to
be applied. Therefore the AC conductor was subjected to
Figure 3-3: Gap factor K in dependence on a
 Table 3-1: Minimum air clearance to earth and to return conductor for the different DC voltages

Table 3-2: Minimum air clearance between AC and DC conductor for the different DC voltages

switching impulse voltage and the DC conductor to DC
voltage and vice versa, i.e. the AC conductor to AC voltage
and the DC conductor to switching impulse voltage. At
combined voltage stress a gap factor K has to be taken into
account which is not only depending on the arrangement
but also on a factor α which describes the relation of the
negative component to the total component (sum of the
negative and positive component).
From the test results both factors K and α were derived
(Figure 3-3). The values are in good correspondence with
IEC 60071-2. By means of these factors the required air
clearance between phases for different DC voltages could
be achieved (Table 3-2).
As can be seen from Table 3-2, the air clearance between
AC phase and DC pole conductor is mainly affected
by the switching overvoltage stress on the AC phase
conductor. Therefore this air clearance is determined by
this overvoltage stress.
length of the DC insulator will be longer due to the
creepage requirements, the flashover voltage will also be
higher compared to the AC insulator, thus the external
air clearance has to be adopted. For this purpose lab
tests were carried out to find out the lightning withstand
voltage of the DC insulators chosen for 400 kV and 500
kV applications. From the lightning withstand voltages
of 1720 kV and 2270 kV respectively the air clearances
between conductor and earthed objects are derived
according to Table 3-3. As the DC conductor arranged
on the upper crossarm is only subjected to lightning
overvoltages due to shielding failures, the air clearances
given in Table 3-3 have to be covered for this conductor,
only. The air clearance of the DC conductors on the lower
crossarm is affected by the switching impulse withstand
voltage given in Table 3-1.

Beside the internal air clearances presented above the

external air clearances have also to be considered. These
are of special interest with regard to safety reasons in
particular in case of lightning overvoltages. According
to the safety philosophy, lightning overvoltage shall
not cause a flashover between conductor and earthed
objects, but shall lead to flashover across the insulator
in the vicinity of the lightning stroke location. As the Table 3-3: Air clearance between conductor and earthed objects
(external air clearance)

Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015

41
 Figure 3-4: Ground level field strength and ion current density
3.3 Electric fields and corona
The conversion of an existing AC circuit into a DC circuit
results in DC electric fields different from the AC case,
which have also an environmental impact, in particular
on the conductor surface voltage gradient and with
this also on the ground-level field strength, the radio
interference voltage (RIV), audible noise (AN) and the
ion current density. In this respect, the conductor surface
voltage gradient, the corona inception voltage as well
as the ground-level field strength and the ion current
density were studied.
3.3.1. Conductor surface voltage gradient
The conductor surface voltage gradient for various
conductor arrangements and DC voltages was determined
by field calculations. The findings given in [4] indicate
that for the conductor arrangement under consideration
– a four conductor bundle of ASCR 265/35 – in some
configurations the surface voltage gradient exceeds the
permissible value of 28.8 kV/cm according to [8] for DC
voltages of 500 kV. In this case six bundled conductors
would be required; however, the associated mechanical
load would exceed the mechanical strength of the tower.
In consequence a DC voltage of 400 kV is chosen.
3.3.2. Ground level field strength and ion current density
For investigation of the ground-level field strength and
the ion current density a similar model arrangement as
for the dielectric studies was applied. The ground-level
field strength was recorded by a field mill and the ion
current by a plane electrode, 8  m2 in size. The results
of the ground-level field strength and the ion current
density are presented in Figure 3-4. It has to be noted
that the ion current is strongly dependent on the ambient
conditions, in particular on the wind speed. Therefore
a noticeable scatter is observed. Thus only the highest
values should be considered.
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
42
Figure 3-5: Perception of the electric field and ion current density
Furthermore, it was found that the measuring results of
the field mill are strongly influenced by the position of the
device. A correct result can only be obtained, if the field mill
is embedded in the plane electrode. Otherwise the device
acts as a protruded electrode, thus changing the actual field
configuration. The results presented are gained with a field
mill embedded in a ground plane electrode.
The possible impact of the electric fields and ion currents
on humans located on the ground below DC circuit of the
AC-DC transmission line is an important design criterion.
Therefore the perception of the electric field and ion current
has to be considered thoroughly. A statistical analysis
regarding the perception of humans is presented in [2].
This information and the results shown in Figure 3-4 are
used for assessment of the impact on humans (Figure 35).
In the Federal Immission Control Act [12] no values are
given, but only the request that effects like spark discharges,
which may lead to considerable harassments or harms
to human beings, have to be avoided. Nevertheless it is
intended to reduce the impact of the electric field and ion
current so much, that no perception occurs in locations
with permanent public access. Therefore, a minimum
clearance of the conductor to earth of 15 m is aspired. In
locations where occasionally public access is possible a
perception of 10…15% is accepted which is corresponding
with a minimum conductor clearance of about 10 m. In all
other locations a perception of the electric field, but in any
case no harassment will occur.
3.3.3. Corona Measurements
The corona activity was measured by a measuring circuit
also used for RIV measurements [13]. The findings of
the corona measurements are given in Figure  3-6. The
measured corona intensity depends on the polarity and
the clearance to earth. In case of negative polarity the
measured corona onset voltage for 15  m air clearance
is in the range of the rated DC voltage between 400
 Table 3-4: Corona onset voltage and corona intensity in the model arrangement

and 450 kV, whereas the measured corona onset in which partial discharges take place on the conductor
the positive polarity starts 100 kV lower. The corona surface.
intensity increases up to 4500 mV at 450 kV. For smaller
clearances to earth the corona onset is lower and the From Figure 3-7 is evident that the corona current
corona intensity attains values up to 5000 mV. Detailed starts at about -200 kV and increases depending on the
information can be taken from Table 3-4. conductor clearance to earth. However, these corona
discharges obviously do not cause radio interference
According to [14] the RIV corona level shall not exceed (RI). RI is initiated, if the discharge impulses develop to
2500 mV. In [15] more severe limit values are given. streamer impulses. This takes place in the voltage range
Therefore measurements with a loop antenna in a distance given in Table 3-4. In this voltage range a distinct increase
of 15 m to the energised conductor were carried out in of the corona current can also be observed.
parallel to the corona measurements. The findings didn’t
show any radio interference (RI) signal up to a voltage
of 400 kV for a conductor clearance of 15 m. Hence, no
RI is to be expected from the negative and the positive
conductor, if it is arranged with a minimum clearance to
earth of 15 m. As the positive conductor is located on the
upper crossarm with a minimum clearance to earth of
20 m, a disturbance free radio and TV reception can be
ensured at the edge of the corridor in any case.

As can be seen from Figure 3-6 and Table 3-4, the

measured corona in the onset range is strongly affected
by foreign noise. In consequence, the DC current feeding
the test arrangement was chosen to determine the real
corona onset voltage. A distinct increase of this current Figure 3-7: Corona current at different conductor clearances to earth
indicates the corona onset voltage, i.e. the voltage at

Figure 3-6: Corona voltage for negative and positive polarity depending
on the clearance to earth

Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015

43
 Figure 3-8: Measurements of AN a) Measuring arrangement - b) Measuring results in a bipolar configuration

3.4. Audible noise 3.5. Ohmic coupling

Due to strong foreign noise no measurements of audible
noise (AN) were possible in the model test arrangement.
Thus these measurements were conducted in one span of
the test line, 2.5 km in length, described in [16].
The measuring arrangement and the span of the test
line are shown in Figure 3-8a. The arrangement under
consideration was the bipolar configuration as presented
in chapter 2, Figure 2-2. The minimum clearance to
earth was 17 m. To simulate the capacitive coupling with
the adjacent AC circuit, a DC voltage of 450 kV and 490
kV was applied. The results are presented in Figure 3-8b.
The investigation demonstrates that at the edge of the
corridor, which is about 60…80  m, the AN is already
decreased so far that the level admitted in Germany
during night time is fulfilled, even if a DC voltage of
490kV is assumed. The results are in good correspondence
with the pre-investigations [8] which were based on the
approximation given in [4].
Caused by ionisation of air particles in the vicinity of
the DC conductor surface due to corona discharges a
DC current is generated. This current will flow to the
neutral conductor or in case of hybrid lines also to
the AC conductors. The DC current component (ion
current) injected into the AC system may increase the
magnetizing current of magnetic cores of high voltage
equipment (power transformers, voltage transformers)
and may lead to the saturation effects.
Depending on the configuration and the ambient
conditions the ion current may amount up to 15 mA/
km [16]. In consequence remedial measures are
of interest, if longer lengths of AC and DC lines in
parallel have to be considered, in particular length
of more than 100 km. For studies how far methods
similar to transpositions are suited for compensation,
measurements were carried out on the test line already
described in [16]. The configurations and the results
are shown in Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-9: Test arrangement for testing of a transposition for compensation of ion currents and findings Iion: Ion currents in conductors 1, 2, 3
Icor: Corona currents in pos. & neg. DC conductor

Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015

44
These measurements (Figure 3-9) reveal that the ion
currents injected into the adjacent conductors differ
despite the symmetrical arrangement and nearly the
same corona current. Obviously the injected conductor
on the right side of the tower is affected by a higher
ion current than that on the left side. That can be
explained by the wind direction which causes a drift
into this direction. That means, in practice a complete
compensation cannot be expected. However, the current
in conductor 3, which is arranged in the middle between
the negative and positive conductor demonstrates that a
significant compensation effect can be achieved.
4. Benefits
If long distance transmission systems are needed, DC
transmission offers a lot of advantage compared with AC
transmission. These are
• Increase of the transmission capacity of the corridor
• Active power control
• Voltage and reactive power control
• Power transmission only depending on voltage drop,
but not depending on the transmission angle
• Lower transmission losses, only ohmic losses, but no
reactive power losses
• Optimization of losses (active and reactive power) in
AC system. DC system may overtake load from AC
network.
• Stability independent from active power-voltage
characteristic
• Contribution to the damping of the large area
frequency oscillations
The conversion of AC circuits of existing Overhead lines
into DC circuits as described above is of major interest,
if these advantages shall be realised and to avoid or to
delay the acquisition of new right-of-ways for new line
corridors. However, the conversion is not a general
solution, but has to be based on a grid analysis taking
into account the specific case and the overall benefits
and costs, in particular
• the optimum connection points of the DC tie line
• the measures in the AC grid to compensate the loss of
the AC circuit(s) along the whole DC corridor or the
relevant part of it
• the benefit and cost of other solutions like new lines
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
45
(Overhead line or Cable), extension of an existing AC
line by adding a DC circuit if possible
• Public acceptance of the project(s)
• Expected duration of project approval
• Overall Economy, Life cycle cost
Due to the basic idea to convert an AC circuit into a DC
circuit a lot of investigations were initiated considering
thoroughly the physical phenomena related to this
conversion. The outcome of these investigations is that
the hybrid technology combining AC and DC circuits
on the same towers is technically feasible. It represents
a new option in Overhead line technology and can
help to reduce the overall environmental impact of the
transmission system considerably.
5. Conclusions
The DC link for long distance power transmission
from the North to the South of Central Europe can be
established by conversion of existing 380 kV AC circuits
into ±400 kV DC circuits. The studies regarding dielectric
design and the electric field issue including corona,
ground surface field strength, ion current density, RIV
and AN, demonstrate that these AC-DC hybrid lines are
technically feasible.
The dielectric design based on an insulator with an
arcing distance of 3 m provides sufficient clearance to
earth and between phases, even in configurations where
the DC and the AC conductor is arranged side by side.
The ohmic coupling between the AC and the DC circuit,
which has to be considered in addition to capacitive
and inductive coupling can be controlled. The electric
emission caused by the ground level field strength and
the ion current density are below the perception level, if
a conductor clearance to ground of 15 m is given. With
the RIV and AN determined at the edge of the corridor a
disturbance free reception and an acceptable noise level
even at night time are ensured.
The conversion of an AC circuit into a DC circuit
represents a new option in Overhead line technology.
A comprehensive study for each specific case must
show whether it is the most beneficial solution for
an improvement of the electric grid considering also
external factors especially the environmental impact of
the transmission system.
6. References
[1] V.L. Chartier, S.H. Sarkinen, R.D. Stearns, A.L.
Burns: Investigation of Corona and Field Effects of
AC/DC Hybrid Transmission Lines. IEEE Trans. on
Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-100, No. 1,
Jan. 1981, pp. 72 – 80.
[2] CIGRE Joint Working Group B4/C3/B2.50: Electric
Field and Ion Current Environment of HVDC
Overhead Transmission Lines. CIGRE Brochure
473, August 2011.
[3] V.L. Chartier, R.D. Stearns, A.L. Burns: Electrical
Environment of the Uprated Pacific NW/SW
HVDC Intertie. IEEE Trans. on Power Delivery, Vol.
PWRD-4, No. 2, April 1989, pp. 1305-1317.
[4] CIGRE Joint Working Group B2/B4/C1.17: Impacts
of HVDC Lines on the Economics of HVDC
Projects. CIGRE Brochure 388, August 2009.
[5] C.S. Engelbrecht, R. Hartings, J. Lundquist: On the
statistical dimensioning of insulators with respect to
pollution conditions. IEE Proceedings - Generation,
Transmission and Distribution, Volume 151, Issue
03, May 2004, p.321-326.
[6] C.S. Engelbrecht, I. Gutman, R. Hartings: “A
practical implementation of statistical principles to
select insulators with respect to polluted conditions
on overhead a.c. lines”, IEEE PowerTech 2005, St.
Petersburg, Russia, 27-30 June, 2005, paper 129.
[7] CIGRE Working Group 22.12: Thermal behaviour
of overhead conductors. CIGRE Brochure 207,
August 2002.
[8] CIGRE Working Group B2.41: Guide to the
conversion of existing AC lines to DC operation.
CIGRE Brochure 583, May 2014.
[9] C. Neumann, B. Rusek, S. Steevens, K.-H. Weck:
Design and layout of AC-DC hybrid lines. CIGRE
Symposium “Best practice in transmission and
distribution in a changing environment”. Auckland,
Sept. 16-17th, 2013.
[10] IEC 60826: Design criteria of overhead transmission
lines. 3rd edition, 10-2003-10.
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
46
[11] IEC 60071-2: Insulation co-ordination – Part 2:
Application guide. 3rd edition, 12-1996.
[12] Federal Immission Control Act: 26th Ordinance
about electromagnetic fields, 14th August, 2013.
[13] CISPR 18-2: Radio interference characteristics of
overhead power lines and high-voltage equipment –
Part 2: Methods of measurement and procedure for
determining limits. Edition 2.0, 2010-06.
[14]
IEC 62271-1: High -Voltage Switchgear and
Controlgear, Part 1: Common Specifications.
08-2011.
[15] BS 137-2, 1973: Insulators of ceramic material or
glass for overhead lines with a nominal voltage
greater than 1000 V. Requirements.
[16] B. Rusek, C. Neumann, S. Steevens, U. Sundermann,
K. Kleinekorte, J. Wulff, F. Jenau, K.-H. Weck: Ohmic
coupling between AC and DC circuits on hybrid
overhead lines. CIGRE Symposium “Best practice
in transmission and distribution in a changing
environment”. Auckland, Sept. 16-17th, 2013.
7. Biographies
Bernhard Sander received the Dipl.-Ing. degree in
Electrical Engineering from the Federal Technical
Instititute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland,
in 1974. From 1974 to 1976 he stayed at the ETH and
was assistant at the Institute for Power Systems and
Economy. From 1976 to 1986 he was with Brown
Boveri & Cie, Baden, Switzerland in the engineering
department for substations, AC-DC-Converter stations
and power plants mainly as section manager. From 1987
to 2013 he was with EGL, Laufenburg and Axpo, Baden,
Switzerland mainly as vice director responsible for O&M
and for asset management of large hydro power plants
and T&D-grids.
Jan Lundquist received his MSc in Electrical
Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology,
Göteborg, Sweden, in 1976.  From 1976 to 1978, he was
with Vattenfall in a system planning department.  In
1978, he joined Chalmers University of Technology for
post-graduate studies and research work in the field of
AC transmission line corona effects, receiving his PhD
in 1986. From 1986 to 1999 he was with ABB Switchgear,
working on development and application of metal-oxide
surge arresters and compact switchgear modules. Since
1999 he has been with STRI, working on insulation
coordination, corona effects, substation reliability and
software development.
Igor Gutman received the M.Sc. and Ph.D degrees from
St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University in 1981 and
1990 respectively, both in High Voltage Engineering.
He has developed his professional experience over more
than 30 years - first from 1981 to 1993 he was with the
Leningrad HVDC Research Institute, then since 1994
he joined STRI in Sweden. His main areas of activity
are optimal dimensioning and maintenance of outdoor
insulation, optimal choice of corona/grading rings for
composite insulators, ageing characteristics of composite
insulators, birds-induced flashovers. Igor Gutman
published extensively on these subjects resulting in 180
conference and magazine papers.
Claus Neumann studied electrical power engineering. In
1972 he received the Dipl.-Ing. and in 1992 the Dr. Ing.
degree. He started in the HV laboratory of a switchgear
manufacturer. In 1979 he joined RWE in Essen, where
he was active in different positions in the field of HV
equipment and systems. In 2005 he became head of the
“Operative Assetmanagement” department at RWE TSO,
later Amprion. Since 2010 he works as a freelance Senior
Consultant. He is a member of CIGRE and different
Working Groups. In 2001 he became Honorary Professor
at the Technical University of Darmstadt where he gives
a lecture in HV switchgear and substations since 1994.
Cigre Science & Engineering • N°1 February 2015
47
Bartosz Rusek was born in Poland in 1977. He received a
MSc in Electrical Engineering from Wroclaw University
of Technology, Poland, in 2002. This year also, he
joined the Department of Electrical Engineering at
Darmstadt University of Technology, receiving his PhD
in 2007. His research concerned digital modeling and
simulation of high voltage circuit breakers failures for
optimization of sensor technique. Since 2006 he has been
with German transmission system operator “Amprion”
in asset management working on ageing models and
special switching conditions for high voltage equipment,
dynamic line ratings and electrical design of hybrid AC/
DC overhead lines.
Karl-Heinz Weck studied electrical engineering at
the Technical University of Darmstadt. From 1964 to
1970 he was Assistant Professor for high-voltage and
measurement techniques. In 1970 he received his doctor
degree. In 1971 joined FGH in Mannheim. Up to 2003
he was director responsible for power transmission
and distribution equipment and up to 2002 managing
director of the test laboratories of FGH Engineering &
Test, today a member of the CESI group. Presently he
is consultant and publicly certified expert. In CIGRE he
was active in different Study Committees and member
of several Working Groups. Within IEC he was member
of various Working Groups and Chairman of TC 28
“Insulation co-ordination”.