CIGRE SC B4 TUTORIAL ON

HVDC AND POWER ELECTRONICS

TUTORIAL SESSION IV AGRA 2015

VSC-HVDC Connection of Offshore Wind Power

Plants

Goran Drobnjak
Germany
Hamid Elahi
USA
 CIGRE SC B4 TUTORIAL ON
HVDC AND POWER ELECTRONICS

WG B4-55
VSC-HVDC Connection of Offshore Wind Power
Plants

Main Authors
S Bolik (UK),G. Drobnjak (DE), G. Ebner (DE), H. Elahi (US),
O.Gomis Bellmunt (ES), J. Hjerrild (DK), J. Horne (UK), J. Kilter
(EE), J. Rimez (BE), S. Temtem (IE), M. Visiers Guixot (ES)

Contributing WG Members
E. Bergin (IE), K. Imaie (JP), R. Iravani (CA), C. Karawita (CA), A.
Khan (UK), M, Poller (DE), N. Reddy (UK), A. Saha (SA), P.
Samuelsson (SE), K. Weyrich (DE), X. Wu (CN), L. Zeni (DK)
Agenda 2

1. Tutorial Scope
2. Background
 Why offshore WPPs
 Why SVC-HVDC transmission for offshore WPPs

3. General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations

4. Offshore WPPs
 WTG selection
 Conceptual design layouts

5. Functional requirements for VSC-HVDC connected WPPs

6. Interconnection requirements
7. Studies required during the design and planning stages
8. Commissioned, planned, or under construction VSC-HVDC
connected offshore WPP projects
9. Guidelines, recommendations, and conclusions

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Tutorial Scope 3

Topics Covered
UNIQUE aspects of planning, design, and
operation of VSC-HVDC connected offshore WPPs
 Steady state & dynamic performances
 Overview of current projects
 Needs for future development, and R&D

Topics NOT Covered

VSC-HVDC technology overview
WPP & WTG design and technology updates

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Why Offshore WPPS 4

 Higher average wind speed, turbine size, plant

size: Higher Energy Yields

 With potentially higher WTG/BOP investment

cost split

 With distance to shore and seabed conditions

impacting LCOE

Offshore wind … a challenge-rich environment

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Offshore WPPs….Gaining Momentum Around 5
the Globe

 About 30-60 GW of potential wind power is

foreseen in the North Sea in Europe
 By the end of 2015, more than 5 GW of VSC-
HVDC connected offshore WPPs are in
operation
 Multiple of new projects have been announced
and/or are in early development stages
 Majority of the northern North Sea projects are
to be connected via VSC-HVDC

VSC-HVDC connected Offshore WPPs…Path to Future

HVDC Offshore and Onshore Grids

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Why VSC-HVDC Transmission for Offshore WPPs 6

 Ability to continuously transfer power in both directions

 Ease of integration with WTGs in islanded grids with very low
fault current levels
 Normally, no need for harmonic filters and additional reactive
power resources
 Improved performance during onshore AC disturbances
 Black-start capability
 Allow building compact, partially or fully tested and assembled,
converter stations onshore
 Ability to deploy XLPE cables
 Expansion to future multi-terminal grids is easier

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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 7

 Developments in VSC-HVDC applications have been coupled

with developments in extruded DC cables
 The extruded DC cable technology….DC voltages of up to 320kV
 525kV extruded HVDC cable systems are now available
 Higher DC voltage ratings….based on use of mass-impregnated
cable technology
 VSC-HVDC for WPP application considerations (partial list):
• Availability
• Reliability
• Fault-ride-through (FRT) capability
• Range of voltage variations
• Reactive power requirements
• Transient over-voltages
• Cable voltage rating
• Converter and the overall system losses
• Maintenance needs and accessibility Agra
General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 8

 Compared to onshore applications, VSC-HVDC

connection of offshore WPPs require:
 A braking chopper in the onshore converter station
 Multiple/parallel transformers in both converter stations
 Transformers are typically rated to transmit more than
50% of the WPP power (sometimes up to 100% )
 Require an enhanced design to cope with harsh offshore
environment
 Reliability and availability require redundancy:
 Auxiliary subsystems and components
 Transformers
 Cooling systems
 Auxiliary diesel generator(s)

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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 9

 Higher power ratings to cope with contingency

scenarios and special operational conditions
 More sophisticated control & protection
 Conventional approach is to control the DC power flow
and the HVDC voltage each by one of the VSC-HVDC
converter stations
 Converter controls must be designed to start the
operation of the offshore system and energize cables
and transformers

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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 10

 DC choppers - utilized in all schemes to date

 DC chopper must provide:
 Robustness, reliability, and ease of maintenance
 Independent control based on local voltage measurement
 Coordinated control with the converter station controller
(if applicable)
 Minimal degree of dependency on communication systems
 Compliance with the local grid codes

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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 11

 Higher level controls are required, including:

 WPP level power control: to coordinate power output by
each WTGs, WPP, and offshore VSC-HVDC converter,
based on frequency control of the WPP AC collector
system
 A reliable bi-directional communication system between
onshore and offshore converters to ensure coordinated
operation between the offshore WPP and the onshore AC
system

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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 12

 A two-level communication system

 Slow communication:
 Transmission of measured rms values
 Device status for interlocking
 Start-up/shut-down/reconfiguration commands
 Alarms, and detailed status of equipment parameters for
monitoring or maintenance
 Fast communication:
 Delivery of DC voltage measurements
 Actual active power limits
 DC current limits
 Converter status (blocked, unblocked)
 Converter protective block commands, and converter
emergency switch off related commands
 Etc…

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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 13

 For future VSC-HVDC grid integration, or project

expansion, additional requirements and their
project cost impacts need upfront evaluations
 Key drivers of the evolution from the point-to-point
VSC-HVDC to the VSC-HVDC grid:
 Control strategies and algorithms
 Cost competitive HVDC circuit breakers
 DC/DC converters
 New technologies for fast and effective DC power flow
control and DC fault detection
 DC GIS available for 320 kV, and under
development for 500 kV, are attractive options to be
considered.
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General VSC-HVDC Design Considerations 14

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VSC-HVDC Potential Configurations 15

Multi-Infeed VSC- HVDC connection between an offshore WPP and an onshore AC System

Multi-terminal “Back-Bone” VSC-HVDC connection VSC-HVDC Grid Configuration

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Main Components 16

 AC switchyard  Cooling installation

 Power transformer
 AC phase reactor
 AC shunt reactor (if applicable)
 AC cable on shore
 Pre-insertion resistor and its by-
pass switch
 Neutral DC point reactor
 AC/DC converter
 Valve room with IGBT modules
 Control room
 Pump room
 Storage room
 Water treatment installation
 DC switchyard
 DC cable and end terminal
 DC chopper
 Auxiliary power supply for
plant start-up
 Communication systems
 Diesel engine for auxiliary
power
 AC Array Cables

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Offshore WPP – Brief Overview 17

 Typically higher CapEx per MW nameplate rating,

when compared to onshore applications
 WTG technology in offshore projects
 Type 1: Squirrel-cage induction generator
 Type 2: Wound rotor induction generator with
variable rotor resistance
 Type 3: Doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)
 Type 4: Full Scale Converter (FSC) WTG
 Remote maintenance technologies of high
importance
 Automation
 Redundancy
 Diagnostic and Condition Monitoring Systems
(CMS),
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Offshore WPP - Conceptual Design Layouts 18

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Offshore WPP - Conceptual Design Layouts 19

 HVDC transmission typically connecting one

large WPP or cluster of offshore WPPs
 HVDC and WPP offshore platforms have usually
been separated, primarily because of weight, size
and/or different ownership constraints
(Germany)
 From a capital expenditure point of view, larger
HVDC platforms could be beneficial to combine
with at least one of the collector substations
 Single platform would allow combined services
such as accommodation blocks, safety systems,
backup power supplies, etc.

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Offshore WPP – Emergency Power 20

 For the platform auxiliaries

 When zero-low/high wind conditions
 When HVDC link is not connected
 During installation
 During commissioning
 Due to outage(s)
 Typically by a diesel generator, but may change in
the future
 Should be ideally sized to energize
 Collector array
 Auxiliaries for all WTGs
 Energization of the collector array may cause
undesired transients…analysis and mitigation may
be required
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Offshore WPP - Power Cable Aspects 21

 Offshore HVAC system voltage level is defined by

selection of the suitable cables. So far, typical range is
132kV-220kV
 Cable length between the HVDC offshore platform
and the WPP AC-platforms range between 5 to 40km
for projects in Germany
 Cables with cross-sections of up to 1200mm2 are
common
 J-tubes are needed for transitions from sub-seabed to
the platform / turbine
 Shunt reactors might be needed due to collector size,
or could be required by relevant TSOs
 Reactive power management by either: VSC-HVDC
system, the WTGs, or dedicated fixed shunt reactors
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AC/DC Power Cable Aspects 22

 Ratings: power, voltage level, length, weight

 Characteristics: cable type/technology (e.g. single or
two core), communication cable requirements
(integrated/separated), armouring (single/double wired)
 Operation mode: temperature monitoring,
redundancy, expected availability
 HVDC system: mono-polar/bipolar with or without
earth return
 Manufacturing: quality control, shipping, jointing
 Laying: sea/seabed surveys, unloading, trenching,
post-lay bury, cables to be laid separately or bundled
together for bipolar cables, magnetic compass effects,
weather conditions during laying, mechanical
protection, platform terminations (e.g. J-tubes), shore
interfaces, marine traffic during installation

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AC/DC Power Cable Aspects 23

 Repair: availability of proven repair joints,

mobilisation, permitted outage(s)
 Experience: from similar installations and experience
of the cable technology being used at the proposed
voltage level
 On–shore: a substantial length of cable may also be
required on-shore to connect to the nearest substation
 Legal: permits, legislation, regulations, bulletins,
policy statements, safety procedures and rules,
technical guidance notes, specifications, codes of
practice, handbooks, transmission procedures, corrosion
by or on other installations, fishing, trawling, effects,
archaeology, defence, naval and recreational
requirements, etc.
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 Technical Guide - Functional Requirements 24

 Technical performance, reliability and protection

 Coordination and integration of WPP and VSC-
HVDC controls & protection
 Mixing different manufacturer technologies

 Various operating modes:

 Normal operation
 Start-up
 Shut-down
 Active power curtailment
 Fault ride through capability
 Onshore grid support
 Etc.

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Functional Requirements - Control & Protection 25

 Main offshore grid functions:

 Offshore converter to produce and maintain
offshore grid frequency
 Offshore grid voltage to be maintained at
appropriate levels by WPP and the offshore
HVDC converter
 Short-circuit current provisions in case of
offshore faults
 FRT capability for offshore faults
 Fault protection

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Functional Requirements - Control & Protection 26

 Onshore grid functions:

 Onshore grid AC voltage support decoupled from the offshore
WPP
 Onshore grid frequency support - by coordinated control of the
VSC-HVDC and offshore WPP
 Virtual inertia - by coordinated control of the VSC-HVDC and
offshore WPP
 Power oscillation damping - can be based on
 reactive current injection - the onshore VSC-HVDC converter can
achieve it autonomously, subject to its ratings and limits
 active current injection - would require coordination of the
onshore and offshore VSC-HVDC converters along with the
offshore WPP
 Frequency response, virtual inertia and power oscillation
damping could be supported by utilizing the available chopper
resistor
 FRT capability for main grid faults
 Fault protection
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Functional Requirements - Offshore WPP 27

 Power Output
 Extract the maximum possible power for low wind
conditions
 Extract the nominal power in high wind conditions
 Reduce power when needed or required by the grid
operator
 Starting or stopping sequence
 Transformers inrush currents and the possible
voltage transients
 Auxiliary power and communication systems
available
 Coordination between WPP control and VSC-HVDC control
 Operation under communication failure(s)
 Provision for auxiliary power to the WPP when there is no
available generation
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Functional Requirements - Control Integration 28

 Offshore WPP master controller

 Facilitates regulation of produced active and reactive
power
 Distribute active and reactive power set-points to WTGs
 Coordination between different systems accounting
for transport delays between the commands sent
and responses obtained
 If short cables between the offshore HVDC
converter station and the WPP substations, plant
level voltage control is not required
 Reactive power control is recommended to minimise
active power losses

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Overall Control Integration Sketch - Example 29

G
Pitch HVDC
P*
Q* V, f

WIND
Q* function of V
TURBINE P* function of f V*
CONTROL V, f
f*

COM1 V* / Q* VSC-HVDC
P* OFFSHORE
Offshore V, f CONTROL
WPP
CONTROL

COM3
COM4
COM2

Onshore V, f Onshore V, f VSC-HVDC

GRID
OPERATOR ONSHORE
CONTROL

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VSC-HVDC and Offshore WPP – Some Specific 30
Aspects

 Onshore converter station detects grid frequency

that can be potentially used to provide fast
communication between VSC-HVDC and WTGs
(COM3 would use this approach)
 WTGs active power references can be modified by
 Communications from the central WPP controller
(COM2 and then COM1) or,
 Offshore VSC-HVDC converter modulating the offshore
grid frequency or,
 Mirroring the onshore grid frequency on the offshore
grid, via COM3
 WTG controls could remain same as in the
onshore WPP applications

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VSC-HVDC and Offshore WPP – Some Specific 31
Aspects

 Offshore AC collector networks typically exhibit

parallel resonance in the frequency range of 100Hz to
1000Hz
 TOV during the sudden energization of WPP transformers
 High harmonic voltages due to
 Harmonic current injections from the WPP
 High amplification factors for harmonic voltages emissions of

the offshore HVDC converter

 WPP is likely to trip due to high OV
 Potential mitigation:
 Soft energization of the offshore WPP
 High-pass or C-type filters on the offshore platform

 Built-in filter function in the HVDC controllers for providing

sufficient damping

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VSC-HVDC and Offshore WPP – Some Specific 32
Aspects

 Soft energization
 WPP grid transformers could energize simultaneously
 High-pass or C-type filters
 Require considerable space and add weight
 Active damping function in the offshore HVDC-
converter and/or WTGs
 Not a standard control function at this stage -
significant testing and tuning might be required
 Resonance problems should be analysed in early
design stages - additional components or solutions
may be required

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VSC-HVDC and Offshore WPP – Some 33
Specific Aspects

Sample network impedance at the off-shore connection point

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VSC-HVDC and Offshore WPP – Some 34
Specific Aspects

 Controller instability may occur

 Very low impedances can lead to a high
sensitivity of currents against voltage changes
 Methods of analysis - frequency domain and time
domain
 Parameters of the controllers can be tuned for
avoiding instability

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VSC-HVDC Sequences – System Start-Up 35
Example

1. Emergency power stopped to make the offshore

island ‘dead’, unless the HVDC manufacturer can
synchronise
2. Onshore converter coupled with the main onshore
AC system
3. Onshore converter coupled with the offshore
converter DC system
4. Offshore AC system energized
5. Offshore AC substation energized sequentially
6. Wind turbines connected sequentially

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VSC-HVDC Sequences – System Shut Down 36
Example

1. Offshore WTGs disconnected

2. Offshore substation disconnected
3. Offshore converter stopped
4. Onshore converter shut down

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Grid Codes - Interconnection Requirements 37

 Grid codes are mainly created by transmission

system operators (TSOs, ISOs) focused on system
reliability and security
 Grid codes are generally related to grid voltage and
frequency control
 To provide TSOs/ISOs adequate options during normal
and emergency conditions
 Interconnection requirements are to provide
transparent, non-discriminatory and fair access to
the transmission or distribution network
 Requirements are applicable at the point of
connection, which could apply at the offshore AC
collector station or the onshore station, or both
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Grid Code - Interface Connection Points 38

 Clarity on the point of connection is necessary in

order to design and supply compliant equipment
 Multiple points of connection could be depicted as:
• The onshore connection point
• Primary or secondary side of grid entry
transformer
• Remote-end circuit connected to the HVDC station
• The offshore connection point
o AC Collector Station
o Offshore Converter Station
• Primary or secondary side of the converter transformer
depending on the regulatory authorities

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Grid Code - Interface Connection Points 39

Interface Points Agra

Grid Codes Compliance - Licence to Operate 40

 Technical data and name plate rating for each fundamental

constituent part of:
 VSC-HVDC system
 AC collector and WPP station
 Overload capabilities declared
 Connection agreement sets the limit on the amount of
power that project can exchange with the network on a
sustained basis
 WPP being built in multiple stages - WPP capacity would
increase at different stages of the project execution
 Maximum and minimum capacities are contractual terms
 Administrators of the connection agreements are notified if
the power producers desire to change the minimum or
maximum capacity

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Grid Codes - Responsibility and Ownership 41

 Europe: European Internal Energy Market rules

require separate ownership of transmission and
electricity assets
 Great Britain and Germany have adopted different
ownership models for offshore electricity transmission
infrastructures
• GB: Generators may choose to construct transmission
assets but must transfer asset to an Offshore
Transmission Owner (OFTO) post construction
• Germany: Requires TSO to plan, specify, construct and
operate the offshore cables
 Ownership model has key implications on the
requirements between plant owners (WPPs) and
transmission asset owners (VSC-HVDC link)
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Grid Codes - Voltage and Reactive Power 42

 Typical TSO requirements:

 Power factor mode - Q = f(P)
 More stringent requirements for weak AC network
connections
 VSC-HVDC connected WPPs have large range of
Q control options
 For offshore converter station - the reactive power
requirements on the WPP could be eliminated

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Grid Codes – Frequency and Active Power 43

 Example of relevant requirements:

 Active Power Control Modes
 Power Ramp Rate control
 Primary and Secondary Reserves
 Power set point changes
 Start-up and shut-down of units
 Example, in Eirgrid Grid code, the active power
set point, as a percentage of available power,
could be changeable from 15-100%, with a
ramp rate from 1-100% of rated WTG capacity
per minute

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Grid Codes – Frequency and Active Power 44

 Active power control and frequency response are mandatory

for VSC-HVDC connected WPPs as well
 IF Onshore grid frequency high
 Offshore WTGs reduce output – via converter and pitch control
 Portion of the WPP shut-down

 IF Onshore grid frequency low

 Intentionally operate WPP at reduced power level to provide
reserve - governor droop and automatic generation control (AGC)
to adjust the WPP active power set point.
 Offshore WPP controller should have provisions to accept
external control input signal to change the plant output power
as needed
 Automatic frequency control and power oscillation damping
control functions may also be implemented
 Telecommunications link between the onshore AC network
and the offshore WPP required
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Grid Codes – Fault Ride Through (FRT) 45

 VSC-HVDC connected WPPs respond to system

disturbances based on controls and the converter
properties
 For islanded, smaller synchronous systems active
current is given priority during voltage dips
 For larger systems, reactive current is prioritized to
maintain local voltage reducing the propagation of
the voltage dip and enhancing transient stability
 VSC-HVDC converters have control flexibility for
achieving above requirements
 Interconnection studies could determine the
appropriate post disturbance recovery performance

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Grid Codes – Fault Ride Through 46

 For large onshore AC voltage dips, DC link will

significantly reduce active power
 This will result in a transient DC overvoltage and
excess energy at the DC side of the DC link
 DC chopper will be activated to limit DC voltage

 Offshore WPP can continue generation until the

fault is cleared and full active power transmission
is re-established to the grid

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Grid Codes – Power Quality 47

 VSC-HVDC linked WPP modules are deemed as a

complex connection and more detailed studies are
required:
 Impedance frequency scans
 Harmonic load flow
 EMT analysis
 Protection systems based on power quality
measurement could be required
 Power quality can continuously be monitored

 Grid operators and developers refer to existing

standards and guidelines when requesting power
quality assessments as part of the due diligence to
obtain a grid connection
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Grid Codes – Power Quality 48

 Standard harmonic evaluation methods are

generally recognized as being conservative
 According to field experience, it is very unusual
to find cases of WPPs presenting harmonics
problems
 The dominant harmonic issues are typically due
to resonance conditions where amplification of
background harmonics can occur
 Distortion assessment should include proper
modelling of the WTGs, VSC-HVDC and grid
conditions which may give rise to resonance
conditions

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Grid Codes – Communications 49

 Information exchange between network operators, HVDC

link and WPP is of high importance
 Network operators continuously need to have an update on
the state of the system, including operating conditions of
the WPP and the HVDC link
 The signal lists are specified in terms of type, band-width
and communication links and protocols. Examples include:
 Meteorological
 Availability data
 Power set points
 Ramp rates
 Frequency response
 Voltage control
 Etc.
 Common standards are developed to allow different
vendors to exchange information
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Grid Codes – Models and Data 50

 The models - mathematical representation of the steady state and

dynamic behaviour of the HVDC connection and the offshore WPP
 Grid connection system shall be simulated to assess and
demonstrate compliance with interconnection requirement and
system stability
 Simulations are performed by network operators and
manufacturers
 The models can vary from simple standard models to more
sophisticated models
 System operators to provide:
 Required technical information on the grid
 Methodology to assess the compliance
 Developer to provide :
 Validated models and modeling data / parameters
 Associated documentation / user guide

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Grid Codes – Commissioning 51

 To ensure the applicable technical standards and contracts are

being achieved through a number of tests and with a given set of
criteria
 Offshore converter station:
 On a platform with no AC network available when starting
 Limited space and access
 Has auxiliary systems
 Inspection during civil works
 Test equipment
 Pre-installation and installation verification
 Subsystem tests
 System acceptance tests
 Operational system tests
 Multiple stages of commissioning with specific test procedures
for each kind of equipment/system
 Modularization of equipment for offshore platforms - significant
technical and economical advantage to the overall project
 Maximize number of tests that can be performed onshore
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Grid Codes – Maturity and Status 52

 Relatively short experience in non-synchronous generation connected

via VSC-HVDC links
 Grid Codes so far:
 Developed independently
 Each jurisdiction has specific system requirements and technical concerns
 Similar structure, differences in the actual figures, values and definitions
 Current requirements are generally universal or cover a large
connection type or location without distinguishing between offshore or
onshore
 TSOs are to modify their respective Grid Codes in order to consider
the connection types associated with offshore generation
 Variety of configurations for the connecting offshore generation will
create further complexities for Grid Code issuers

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Grid Codes – Maturity and Status 53

 Offshore connections in Europe have led to the development

of specific offshore requirements
 These requirements often outline a number of deviations
and amendments to the Grid Codes in regard to the offshore
WPP
 These extra requirements may include :
 Supplementary operating voltage
 Extended operating frequency ranges
 Specific power factor/voltage dependency
 Different reactive power requirements during fault conditions
 Etc.
 VSC-HVDC connected offshore WPPs have a number of grid
code compliance advantages when compared to an AC
connection
 Decoupling between the onshore transmission system and
the WPP is the key benefit
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Studies During Project Evolution - Example 54

 Developing Stage
 Simplified load flow study
 Short circuit calculations
 Dynamic behaviour of the power system - only in general terms
 Preliminary - range of power ratings and possible design options
 Concept Design Stage
 More detailed load flow study
 Concepts for voltage/reactive power control for offshore and
onshore
 Known data on active and reactive power performance of the
WTG and HVDC - generic data for the other elements in the
power system
 Short circuit calculations – switchgear ratings, etc.
 Preliminary system stability study analysing grid faults and
fault recovery from a conceptual perspective
 Estimated harmonic emission levels at the offshore and onshore
power grids

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Studies During Project Evolution - Example 55
 Design Stage
 Basic design or front end engineering design (FEED)
 Detailed design prior to construction/execution
 Determine/verify the rating of each element, both from a load flow and
a short circuit perspective
 Determine power system dynamic behaviour
 Design additional filters for controlling harmonics and/or additional
reactive compensation needs.
 WTG and the HVDC designs are defined in this stage
 Detailed EMT studies to determine/evaluate:
 Insulation coordination
 Voltage fluctuations
 Controller interactions
 Studies required by the grid codes
 Documentation Stage
 “As-built" data are received from the manufactures
 All data are available
 Simulations for the final documentation

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Current VSC-HVDC WPP Projects - Overview 56

 Locations - mainly Europe

 Often located more than 150 km away from the onshore converter
 Some challenges and recommendations:
 Major equipment has to be installed under difficult environmental conditions
 As much of the Modules as possible are assembled and pre-tested in a
shipyard
 Different platform type designs:
 Jacket-top structure
 Gravity based structure
 Self floating/self lifting
 Float-over
 Different structures offer different advantages and disadvantages:
 Limited weather window for installation
 The need for lifting equipment and material
 Sizeable installation costs

 For weight and size restrictions:

 The equipment has to be shrunk down to a minimum
 Using SF6 insulated devices, whenever possible
 Special attention required to protect equipment against harsh environmental
conditions
 Modular designs will allow easier replacements, cost savings, and delay
reductions Agra
VSC-HVDC Connected WPP Projects - Overview 57

 VSC-HVDC Topology: Two level, CTL (Cascaded

Two Level), MMC (Modular Multilevel Converter
HB or FB), etc.
 Power rating range: min 400 MW, max 900 MW

 HVDC cable rated voltage: +/- 150 kV, +/- 250 kV,
+/- 300 kV, +/- 320 kV
 HVDC cable length range: min 130 km, max 250
km
 DC chopper at the onshore end

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Going Forward - Conclusions - Outlook 58

 CIGRE WG B4-55 has identified the following R&D areas to

ensure further progress of VSC-HVDC connected off-shore
WPP projects:
 Development of a full set of Standards for offshore and islanded
VSC-HVDC connected systems
 Collecting and reporting reliability and availability data, similar
to what has been done in WG B4-04, for operating offshore VSC-
HVDC connected WPPs
 More active coordination between TSOs and manufacturers
 New publications aimed at sharing reference designs, operating
and maintenance experience, and other technical information
necessary to further enhance maturity of this young industry
 Ensuring industry best practices are followed with respect to the
design and installation of the High Voltage AC collector cables
between the WTGs, and also with respect to the HVDC cables
between the WPP and the onshore AC substation

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Going Forward - Conclusions - Outlook 59

 In typical VSC-HVDC schemes, the converter station overload

capability is limited by the heat transfer characteristics of the
IGBT devices
 Continuous current ratings for maximum ambient temperatures
 Manufacturers to declare overload capabilities with lower
ambient temperature
 Manufacturers to provide algorithms that can take into account
the device history in order to capture potential short time
overload capability, without risk
 HVDC cables, power transformers, and DC reactors can be
loaded higher than nameplate ratings, subject to pre-defined
cooling conditions

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Going Forward - Conclusions - Outlook 60

 Offshore WPP and VSC-HVDC transmission is an all

electronic grid without any synchronous generation
 Potential for undesirable control interactions, and
controls instability
 Commercial challenge - WTGs and the VSC HVDC
system are likely to be provided by different vendors
 Details of the control characteristics are typically
considered to be intellectual property

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Going Forward - Conclusions - Outlook 61

 It is recommended that the offshore WTGs must have

sole control of the active power
 The VSC-HVDC system must transmit the power
immediately and without restriction when the grids
are within their specified operating ranges
 Any need to modify wind generation (e.g., curtailment)
must be communicated to the WTGs, whereupon they
will modify their output
 Existing HVDC systems that interconnect AC grids
are operated in a power control mode
 Here: Rectifier must present a voltage source to the
offshore WPP, while the inverter must regulate dc
voltage
 Industry accepted practice - to rely on VSC-HVDC and
DC chopper for managing the grid disturbance
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Going Forward - Conclusions - Outlook 62

 Large disturbances offshore

 WTG and HVDC control systems to shift from the normal strategy of
capturing wind energy to one focused on protecting the respective hardware
from excessive duty
 To retain ability to rapidly resume operation following fault clearing
 Large disturbances onshore
 Inverter terminal of the VSC-HVDC system to manage all types of fault events
 DC voltage to be maintained within bound by action of the rectifier and the DC
chopper
 Start-up and normal operation
 Minimize telecommunication requirements…
 Enhance reliability
 Minimizing overall cost

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Going Forward - Conclusions - Outlook 63

 The pioneering fleet of commissioned VSC-HVDC connected

offshore WWPs, mainly in Northern Europe, have successfully
overcome several technical and economical challenges
 Further improvement opportunities lie ahead
 For cost reduction, two major factors can be addressed:
 When possible, air insulation should be avoided…requires larger
platforms and complex HVAC equipment
 The converter modules and their controls should be further
simplified, to reduce both CapEx and OpEx
 Potential option to reduce size and complexity - diode rectifiers
offshore, instead of a VSC
 WTG converter control to provide the necessary additional
features without increasing WTGs costs

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 64

Thank you

Agra