MODULE 2

OPERATION OF DC-AC SYSTEMS

A typical HVDC transmission system is shown in Figure 1. In this system,

the AC produced by generating stations is stepped up and converted to DC

with the help of a rectifier unit. Then this DC is transmitted by the HVDC

transmission line. At the receiving end, an inverter unit converts the received

DC back to AC. Now, this DC is stepped down and distributed.

Figure1 : Typical HVDC transmission system

The converter at sending end converts AC power into DC power while the

converter at the receiving end converts DC power back to AC power. Thus,

the first converter acts as a rectifier unit, whereas the other one acts as an

inverter unit.
Basic concepts of converters
Converters are the main parts of the HVDC systems.
Basically there are two different types of converters

1) Line commutated current source converters (CSC or LCC)

2) Self-commutated voltage source converters (VSC or SCC)

HVDC system that implements CSC are called as HVDC Classic and if it is

a VSC based it is termed as HVDC Light (ABB) or HVDC Plus (SIEMENS).

Current Source Converters (CSC)

CSC based converters used Diode or Thyristor as switches.

LCC-commutated converters based on thyristors utilizes AC system voltage

for commutation of current from one value to another. This converter can

convert and control active power in either direction, but doing so consumes

reactive power at the AC systems.

Conventional thyristor device has only the turn on control its turn off depend

on current coming to zero as per circuit and system conditions.

CSC in which direct current always has one polarity and power reversal takes

place through reversal of voltage polarity.

 L=α
Id
Vs
AC Supply
is Vd

Active and Reactive DC Power

Power

Figure2: Diode based CSC

Vs Id
AC Supply is
Vd

DC Power

Active Power
Reactive Power

Figure3 :Thyristor based CSC

𝐼𝑠
= 𝑘𝑐 ; kc is current constant
𝐼𝑑

Output power = Input Power (Assuming a lossless system)

PDC = PAC
𝑉𝑑 𝐼𝑑 = 3𝑉𝑠 𝐼𝑠 cos ∅
𝑉𝑑 𝐼𝑑 = 3𝑉𝑠 𝐼𝑑 𝑘𝑐 cos ∅
𝑉𝑑 = 3𝑉𝑠 𝑘𝑐 cos ∅ ; where 𝑉𝑠 𝑘𝑐 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 & where Ø is power factor
𝑉𝑑 ≅ 𝑉𝑠 cos ∅
cos ∅ = cos 𝛼
Whereas , α is the firing angle of the Thyristor.
0 ≤ α ≤ π/2 -----» Rectifier +Vd
π/2 ≤ α ≤ π -----» Inverter -Vd
Thus the DC power can be reversed
PDC = 𝑉𝑑 𝐼𝑑 converter works as Rectifier
PDC = -𝑉𝑑 𝐼𝑑 converter works as Inverter

CSC disadvantages:
1. Generates lower order current harmonics
2. Consumes more reactive power
3. Independent control of P&Q is not possible.

CC CV
Id

CSC VSC