HVDC Transmission

In the past, transmission systems were conservatively designed with large stability margins and the then-available dynamic compensators, ... , were rarely required. In recent years, energy, environment, right-of-way, and cost problems delayed the construction of both generation facilities and new transmission lines.

This has necessitated a change in the traditional power system concepts and practices; better utilization of existing power systems has become imperative

 Overhead AC transmission is the standard technology for electric power transportation. Traditionally it was preferred over any other transmission technology, especially in rural areas.
No other technology can compete with overhead AC transmission in terms of cost. Technically and economically, overhead AC transmission provides an advantageous solution. In today electricity industry, in view of the liberalization and increased effects to conserve the environment, HVDC solutions have become more desirable for the following reasons: Environmental advantages Economical (cheapest solution) Asynchronous interconnections Power flow control Added benefits to the transmission (stability, power quality etc.)

The HVDC technology

The fundamental process that occurs in an HVDC system is the conversion of electrical current from AC to DC (rectifier) at the transmitting end, and from DC to AC (inverter) at the receiving end. There are three ways of achieving conversion:

COMPARISON OF AC AND DC TRANSMISSION

HVDC can carry more power for a given size of conductor The need for ROW (Right of Way) is much smaller for HVDC than for HVAC for the same transmitted power. The environmental impact is smaller with HVDC.

Economic aspects

Power losses are less with DC transmission, in addition the absence of skin effect is also beneficial in reducing the losses If cables are preferred, dielectric losses are also less in DC transmission The Corona effects significantly less in DC conductors than for AC this also leads the choice of economic size of the conductors.
The costs of the compensation is also minimum

Other investment costs transmission towers, conductors, insulators, terminal equipment and etc

Cost

Distance (km) Variation of costs with Line lengths

Technical performance

Very fast control of power flow, which implies stability improvements, not only for the HVDC link but also for the surrounding AC system.

Full control over the power transmitted

The ability to enhance transient and dynamic stability in associated AC networks

Direction of power flow can be changed very quickly (bi-directionality). An HVDC link dont increase the short-circuit power in the connecting point. This means that it will not be necessary to change the circuit breakers in the existing network.
No limits in transmitted distance. This is valid for both OH lines and sea or underground cables.

Line compensation --- For maintenance of constant voltage at both ends AC system requires reactive power control, which increases with increase in length. Although DC converters require reactive power related to the line loadings, but the line itself does not require any reactive power
VSC technology allows controlling active and reactive power independently without any needs for extra compensating equipment. VSC technology gives a good opportunity to alternative energy sources to be economically and technically efficient. HVDC transmissions have a high availability and reliability rate, shown by more than 30 years of operation.

Problems of AC inter connection The presence of large power oscillations which can lead to frequent tripping Increase in fault level Transmission disturbances Controllability of power flow in DC lines eliminates all above problems
Ground impedance -- the existence of ground current can not be permitted in AC, ground impedance negligible in DC

Reliability of DC transmission is quite good. Reliability in DC transmission due to the use of high power fast acting semiconductor devices over mercury arc rectifiers
There are 2 measures of overall system reliability 1. Energy availability 2. Transient reliability.

MODERN TRENDS
Power semiconductors and valves Converter control DC breakers Conversion of existing AC lines Operation with weak AC systems