EE809 DC-AC System Interactions

Lecture - 1
Introduction
Evolution of Power System
In 1882 first Electric power system was invented by
Thomas A Edison for 1.5kM, 59 Customers

Limitation of DC systems
1. High losses and Voltage drop
2. Transformation of voltage required

1888 AC System was invented and started to develop

Till 1990 from 165kV 765kV 1100kV EHV Lines
Main Problems in AC System

1.Stability
2.Reactive Power Requirement
3.Current carrying capability
4.Skin effect and Ferranti effect
5.Power Flow Control
Main Problems in AC System
V1 V2
X
1.Stability
It is a major concern  

System has to operated less than 90°

P
In DC system power angle δ is not there

ᵟ
 Challenges with AC Power Lines
2. Current Carrying Capability
AC power cannot be transmitted in long lines due to charging.
Line reactance plays a large role in the amount of power that can be transmitted.
Lines cannot be loaded to its maximum thermal limits

In DC system line reactance are non-existent. This insinuates that a DC system

could have a much larger power transfer capability compared to that of AC
 Challenges with AC Power Lines
3. Skin Effect and Ferranti Effect
An alternating current flowing through the conductor does not distribute
uniformly, rather it tends to concentrate near the surface of the conductor

Solid conductor
No current flow

Concentration of current over

thesurface

Direct current flowing through the conductors is uniformly distributed over

the whole cross-section of the conductor
 Challenges with AC Power Lines
4. Reactive Power Compensation
 Reactive power loss we know it very well because the reactive power loss can
be defined that is a Q loss. Real power loss it is very well known that is I 2 R
 Reactive power loss basically I2 X , X is the reactance of transmission line
element
 In AC system line charging inductance L and capacitance C consumes reactive
power

No Reactive Power Losses in DC systems

 Challenges with AC Power Lines
5. Power flow control
The power flow can be controlled rapidly and accurately in terms of both power
level and direction. This possibility is often used to improve the performance
and efficiency of the connected AC networks

HVDC and FACTS (FLEXIBLE AC TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS)

FACTS- AC transmission systems incorporating the power electronic-based to
enhance controllability and increase power transfer capability
HVDC and FACTS- Complementary Solutions
HVDC
• Independent frequency and control
• Lower line costs
• Power control, Voltage control,
stability Control

FACTS
• Power control, Voltage control,
Stability control
 Summary
• Introduction to DC-AC Systems
• Evolution of DC systems and its limitations
• Main problems in AC systems
• Solutions using FACTS & HVDC