11/05/2010

HVDC TRANSMISSION
 OUTLINE


Introduction.

History of HVDC.

HVAC versus HVDC.

Cost Structure.

Applications.

HVDC Schemes.

SLD of Bipolar Scheme.

HVDC Components and operation.
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INTRODUCTION
Introduction


A high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) is an
electric power transmission system uses direct
current for the bulk transmission of electrical
power, in contrast with the more common
alternating current systems.


For long-distance distribution, HVDC systems
are less expensive and suffer lower electrical
losses.
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TYPICAL HVDC APPLICATIONS
Introduction
Applications
There are three typical HVDC applications:


Interconnection of non-synchronous AC power
systems even at different frequencies.


Power transmission over long undersea cable
links.


Point-to-point, long-distance transmission of large
blocks of power.

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History of events
Introduction

Applications

1940s
History
High Voltage DC (HVDC) bulk power transmission was
studied in Germany.

1954s
First commercial application in Sweden: submarine link
between mainland and Gotland island (100 kV-20 MW-90
km).

1970s
Thyristors (SCRs) took over; today, HVDC operation
voltages attain 600 kV, transmitted power over 3000 MW


Today ...
HVDC has become the dominating technology for long
distance transmission of bulk power. 5
 HVAC Versus HVDC
Introduction

Applications

Advantages of AC systems:
History
AC versus DC

It’s possible to generate AC voltages at high voltage
levels 11k,22K.etc using Synchronous generators.

The cost of synchronous generator is less than DC
Generator, and requires less maintenance.

The AC voltage can be raised or lowered using
transformers, it can be raised up to hundreds of kilo
volts.

The AC substations are more efficient than DC
substations using rectifiers, and also the maintenance
of AC station is easier.

Its easy to convert from AC to DC when required.
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 HVAC Versus HVDC cont’d
Introduction

Applications

Disadvantages of AC systems:
History
AC versus DC

The Construction of AC transmission line is more
complicated than DC transmission line.

The resistance of AC line is higher due to skin effect.

The inductance and capacitance of AC line affects the
voltage profile and causes voltage drop.

The copper requirement of AC line is more than DC line

The AC line is more sensitive to corona than DC.

Synchronization problems of alternators

The speed of alternators required to be controlled
within very low limits.
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 HVAC Versus HVDC cont’d
Introduction

Advantages of DC systems:
Applications

History

The absence of inductance and capacitance, as the
frequency of DC is zero. And hence the power loss and AC versus DC
voltage drop are much less compared to AC.

Absence of skin effect make use of entire cross section of
the conductor.

Insulation required in DC systems is less compared to AC
systems, because the stress on this insulation is less.

As stress is less the possibility of using under ground cable
is much more possible.

The DC line has reduced interference with radio and
communication systems.

Copper requirement is less in DC systems because Two
wires are sufficient to transmit power, while we need 3
phases in AC systems 8
 HVAC Versus HVDC cont’d
Introduction

Disadvantages of DC systems:
Applications

History

The power generation is not possible at high voltages due
to commutation problems. AC versus DC


The biggest disadvantage of DC systems is that it cannot
be stepped up or down as the requirement, and so
transmission over high voltage is not possible.


Obtaining AC from DC is not easy in practice.


The limitation of DC switches and circuit breakers causes a
problem in DC system.

DC machines requires much more maintenance and there
cost is also higher than DC machines
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 Cost Structure
Introduction

The cost of an HVDC transmission system depends
on many factors: Applications

History

The power capacity to be transmitted. AC versus DC

Cost Structure


Distance of transmission.


Type of transmission medium.


Safety and regulatory requirements.


Type of equipment used(filters, Transformers,Towers,
conductors, insulators etc.). 10
 Cost Structure cont’d
Introduction

It is difficult to give a cost figure for an HVDC system. Applications
Nevertheless, a typical cost structure for the converter
stations could be as follows: History
AC versus DC

Cost Structure

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 Cost Structure cont’d
Introduction

Practical Example, shows the price variation for an AC Applications
transmission compared with an HVDC transmission for History
2000 MW is presented below :
AC versus DC

Cost Structure

For the AC transmission :

A double circuit line is assumed with a price per km of
250 kUSD/km (each).

AC substations and series compensation (above 600 km)
are estimated to 80 MUSD.


For HVDC transmission:

bipolar OH line was assumed with a price per km of 250
kUSD/km. 12

converter stations are estimated to 250 MUSD.
Cost Structure cont’d
Introduction

Applications

History
AC versus DC

Cost Structure

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Cost Structure cont’d
Introduction

Applications

History
AC versus DC

Cost Structure

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 Cost Structure cont’d
Introduction

The plot of the transmission distances versus cost for both Applications
HVDC and HVAC.
History
AC versus DC

Cost Structure

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Break Even Distance
 Block Diagram of HVDC
Introduction

Applications
Id History
resistance
AC versus DC

AC Cost Structure
AC
signal signal
Block Diagram

V Vi
R

Filter Filter

Rectifier Station Inverter Station

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 HVDC Schemes

Monopolar HVDC System with Ground Return: Introduction

Applications

Consists of one or more six-pulse converter units in History
series or parallel at each end.
AC versus DC

a single conductor and return through the earth or
Cost Structure
sea, as shown below.

At each end of the line, it requires an electrode line Block Diagram
and a ground or sea electrode built for continuous
operation. HVDC Schemes

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 HVDC Schemes cont’d
Introduction

Applications

History

Advantages of Monopolar System:
AC versus DC
Cost Structure

Minimizing cable cost, (attractive).
Block Diagram

Minimizing losses. HVDC Schemes


Simple installation.

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 HVDC Schemes cont’d

Disadvantages of Monopolar System: Introduction

Applications

Sea earth return path, leads to corrosion of other History
metallic objects(pipelines, cable, sheaths, etc.).
AC versus DC
Cost Structure

Production of chlorine gas and impact of fish
population. Block Diagram

HVDC Schemes

The ground current may also cause interference
problems.


The ground current may cause saturation in
transformers that are located in the vicinity.

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 HVDC Schemes cont’d

A Monopolar HVDC System with Metallic Return: Introduction

Applications

Advantages: History

Solve the disadvantages of electrode earth. AC versus DC
Cost Structure

Disadvantages:
Block Diagram

Increases losses due to voltage drop in the metallic HVDC Schemes
return.

Increases the cost.

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 HVDC Schemes cont’d

Bipolar HVDC System. Introduction

Applications

consists of two poles, each of which includes one or History
more twelve-pulse converter units, in series or parallel.
AC versus DC

its a combination of two monopolar schemes with
Cost Structure
ground return
Block Diagram

HVDC Schemes

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 HVDC Schemes cont’d

Advantages of Bipolar HVDC System: Introduction

Applications

During an outage of one pole, the other could be History
operated continuously with ground return, or metallic
return. AC versus DC
Cost Structure


Bidirectional power transfer. Block Diagram

HVDC Schemes

More power handling capability.


Disadvantages of Bipolar HVDC System:


Higher cost.
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 HVDC Schemes cont’d

Back to Back HVDC System: Introduction

Applications

History

AC versus DC
Cost Structure

Block Diagram

HVDC Schemes

23
 HVDC Schemes cont’d
Introduction
500 MW Back-to-Back Converter Station
Applications

History

AC versus DC
Cost Structure

Block Diagram

HVDC Schemes

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 Conclusion
Introduction

Applications

HVDC Systems are suitable only for Transmission History

over Distances greater than Break over Distance.
AC versus DC
HVDC has become the Dominant technology of Bulk Cost Structure
power Transmission.
Block Diagram

HVDC components are very large and expensive. HVDC Schemes

Several Schemes available for HVDC , Bipolar HVDC

scheme is the most used.

HVDC is based on the evolution of power electronics.

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