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1A)UNIT-1 # HVDC @ 31st Dec 2024 # EXAM

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission is a method for transmitting electricity over long distances using direct current, which significantly reduces power loss compared to alternating current systems. HVDC systems require conversion devices at both ends to switch between AC and DC, and they offer advantages such as increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to integrate renewable energy sources. However, challenges like high costs, lack of standardization, and technical issues must be addressed for wider adoption.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views20 pages

1A)UNIT-1 # HVDC @ 31st Dec 2024 # EXAM

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission is a method for transmitting electricity over long distances using direct current, which significantly reduces power loss compared to alternating current systems. HVDC systems require conversion devices at both ends to switch between AC and DC, and they offer advantages such as increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to integrate renewable energy sources. However, challenges like high costs, lack of standardization, and technical issues must be addressed for wider adoption.

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saurabh28432003
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission

HVDC transmission is the method of transmitting electricity in DC


form over long distances using either submarine cables or overhead lines.
HVDC Transmission
❖ High Voltage Direct Current transmission, abbreviated as HVDC is a
bulk power transfer technology using Direct current for
transmission of electricity, in contrast to HVAC power systems which
operate on Alternating current. Superhighway or Power
Superhighway is the electrical name that is often used for HVDC.
❖ In AC Transmission, the direction of voltage and current changes
continuously which causes overheating in the lines, thus resulting in
significant power loss. Unlike AC transmission, current and voltage
flow in one direction only in DC Transmission. So, it is observed that
when HVAC is converted into HVDC a significant reduction in
power loss hence increasing the efficiency of the transmission lines.
❖ HVDC Transmission system is a combination of AC and DC
system, first the generated AC voltage is converted into DC at the
transmission end, when it reaches the receiving end DC is inverted to
AC for distribution purposes. So, in order to carry out this operation,
conversion devices are required at both ends of the transmission line.
HVDC Transmission System
❖ In the generating station, AC power is generated. This should first be converted
into DC. The conversion is done with the help of a rectifier. The DC power will
flow through the overhead lines. At the user end, this DC has to be converted
into AC. For that purpose, an inverter is placed at the receiving end.
❖ Thus, there will be a rectifier terminal at one end of the HVDC substation and
an inverter terminal at the other end. The power of the sending end and user end
will be always equal (Input Power = Output Power).
How does HVDC Transmission System Work?
HVDC
Substation
Layout

❖ In the generating substation, AC power is generated, which is converted into DC using a


rectifier. The DC flows through the overhead line, and then again at the user end, DC is
converted into AC using inverters and then AC is supplied to the load. Rectifiers and
inverters are placed inside the converter stations at the sending and receiving ends.
❖ As DC flows through overhead lines, the input power is equal to the output power, decreasing
the losses and improving efficiency.
❖ This diagram shows two converter stations and one transmission line, so this type of system is
known as the 'Point-to-point system' or 'Two terminal DC system’. Likewise, if there are
more than two converters and the interconnecting DC terminal lines in a substation, it is
named ‘Multi-terminal DC substation.'
How HVDC works
❖ HVDC transmission uses direct current (DC) to transmit electricity
between two converter stations, where the voltage is raised or lowered
and the current is converted from AC to DC or vice versa.
❖ The converter stations are connected by overhead lines, underground
cables, or submarine cables, depending on the terrain and the distance.
❖ HVDC transmission can use either line-commutated converters (LCC)
or voltage-source converters (VSC), which differ in their design,
operation, and performance. LCC are based on thyristors, which can
only switch on and off, while VSC are based on transistors, which
can also control the direction and magnitude of the current.
Components of HVDC System
Components of HVDC System
Converter: Converts AC to DC and DC to AC. It consists of rectifiers and
inverters.
Rectifier: A device that converts alternating current to direct current which flows
only in one direction.
Inverter: A device that converts direct current into alternating current.
Electrodes: Conductors that are used to connect the system to the earth.
Smoothing Reactors: Smoothing reactors consist of inductors connected in
series with the pole of each converter station. It prevents commutation failures
experienced by inverters, reduces harmonics, and avoids breaking off the current.
DC Lines: Cables or overhead lines that carry power.
Harmonic Filters: Used to minimize the harmonics in voltage and currents of
the converters used.
Reactive Power Supplies: Converters at the terminals consume reactive power
from the supply, thus shunt capacitors are used to provide this reactive power
compensation.
AC Circuit Breaker: Used for electrical safety; like fault in transformers,
disconnection of the DC link.
Components of HVDC System

❖ Converters; Electrodes; Harmonic Filters; DC Lines; AC Circuit Breakers;


❖ Smoothing Reactors: Each pole consists of smoothing reactors which are
inductors connected in series with the pole. It is used to avoid commutation
failures occurring in inverters, reduces harmonics, and avoids discontinuation of
current for loads.
❖ Reactive Power Supplies: The reactive power used by the converters could be
more than 50% of the total transferred active power. So the shunt capacitors are
used for reactive power compensation.
Why HVDC matters
❖ HVDC transmission offers several advantages for the power system,
such as minimizing transmission losses and increasing
transmission capacity, especially over long distances and
underwater.
❖ It also enables the integration of renewable energy sources, like
wind and solar, located far from the load centers or with variable
output.
❖ Additionally, HVDC improves grid stability and security, by
allowing independent control of active and reactive power, as well
as fast and flexible response to disturbances and faults.
❖ Finally, it reduces the environmental and social impact of transmission
infrastructure due to its need for less land, materials, and maintenance
than AC transmission.
What are the challenges
Despite its advantages, HVDC transmission also faces certain challenges
that impede its widespread adoption.
❖ These include high capital and operational costs, particularly for
converter stations and protection systems, which require advanced
technology and skilled personnel.
❖ Additionally, the lack of standardization and interoperability can
complicate the coordination and integration of different HVDC
systems and vendors, as well as increase the complexity and risk of
projects.
❖ Regulatory and institutional barriers can create uncertainty and delay
the planning, permitting, and financing of HVDC projects, thus
affecting the allocation of costs and benefits among stakeholders.
❖ Finally, technical and operational issues such as harmonics,
switching transients, insulation coordination, fault detection and
isolation, and control and communication can also be a hindrance.
How to overcome the challenges
❖ To overcome the challenges surrounding HVDC transmission and
encourage its development, some possible solutions include
▪ Investing in research and innovation to reduce costs and
environmental impact,
▪ Developing common standards and guidelines to ensure quality
and safety,
▪ Establishing clear and supportive policies and regulations to
provide a favorable framework for planning, implementation, and
operation, and enhancing coordination and cooperation among
stakeholders to share knowledge, experience, and best practices.
❖ All of these solutions will help to balance the interests and
responsibilities of the parties involved while fostering trust and
confidence among developers, operators, regulators, and customers.
What are the opportunities
❖ HVDC transmission can contribute significantly to the
transformation and decarbonization of the power sector.
❖ It can connect remote and offshore renewable energy resources,
thus increasing the share of clean and low-carbon electricity in the
generation mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
❖ Additionally, it can interconnect regional and continental grids,
creating a more integrated and resilient power system while enabling
the exchange and optimization of electricity across different markets
and regions.
❖ Moreover, HVDC transmission can support the electrification of end-
use sectors such as transport, industry, and heating, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.
❖ Finally, it can provide ancillary services and grid support, improving
the quality and reliability of the electricity supply while managing the
challenges of variable and distributed generation.
HVDC and HVAC Comparison Cost
HVDC and HVAC Comparison Cost (Continuation)
❖ HVDC Transmission is economical only for long-distance
transmission; overhead lines have a length of more than 600 km, and
underground cables of length more than 50 km.
❖ This graph shows the comparison between the cost of AC and DC
Transmission with respect to the distance. According to the graph, the
initial cost of HVDC Transmission is high as compared to the HVAC
Transmission due to a significant difference between DC and AC
terminal costs (converter stations at terminals of HVDC Transmission
systems are very costly).
❖ However, at a specific distance cost of HVDC Transmission is equal to
the cost of the HVAC system, that point is called the breakeven
distance.
❖ After this point, the overall cost of HVDC Transmission becomes lower
than HVAC Transmission (there are huge power losses in HVAC
Transmission for long distances), hence proving the fact that the HVDC
Transmission system is economical for long-distance transmission. The
breakeven distance is around 600 km for overhead transmission lines.
Comparison of HVDC and HVAC Transmission
High Voltage Direct Current High Voltage Alternating Current
(HVDC) Transmission (HVAC) Transmission
Losses are high due to corona
Losses are quite low
discharge and skin effect
More power is transmitted over long
Less power is transmitted
distances
Voltage regulation and control Low voltage regulation and control
ability is high ability
It has fewer conductors hence line
High line cost
cost decreases
Towers are simple and cheaper ​Huge towers as compared to HVDC
It needs less insulation Requires more insulation
High reliability Reliability is low
Asynchronous interconnection can Asynchronous interconnection is
be done not possible
Advantages of HVDC Transmissions
❖ A lesser number of conductors and insulators are required thereby reducing the cost
of the overall system.
❖ It requires less phase-to-phase and ground-to-ground clearance.
❖ Their towers are less costly and cheaper.
❖ Less corona loss is less as compared to HVAC transmission lines of similar power.
❖ Power loss is reduced with DC because fewer numbers of lines are required for
power transmission.
❖ The HVDC system uses earth return. If any fault occurs in one pole, the other pole
with ‘earth returns’ behaves like an independent circuit. This results in a more
flexible system.
❖ The HVDC has the asynchronous connection between two AC stations connected
through an HVDC link; i.e., the transmission of power is independent of sending
frequencies to receiving end frequencies. Hence, it interconnects two substations
with different frequencies.
❖ Due to the absence of frequency in the HVDC line, losses like skin effects and
proximity effect does not occur in the system.
❖ It does not generate or absorb any reactive power. So, there is no need for a reactive
power compensation.
❖ Power flowing through the DC link is very précised and lossless.
Advantages of HVDC Transmissions (Repeat)
Advantages: This transmission requires fewer conductors and
insulators, thus reducing the cost of the overall system. It requires less
phase-to-phase and ground-to-ground clearance. Towers of HVDC
transmission are inexpensive. Corona loss in HVDC transmission is
lesser compared to the loss in power transmission lines of HVAC. Fewer
lines are used for the transmission of power. Therefore, power loss is
reduced. The HVDC system uses earth return in case of a fault in one
pole. The pole with ‘earth returns’ behaves like an independent circuit,
hence enhancing the system's flexibility. HVDC system is used to
interconnect two substations with different frequencies. It has an
asynchronous connection between two AC stations connected using the
HVDC link; thus, the transmission of power is independent of sending
and receiving end frequencies. Proximity and skin effects do not
transpire in the system due to the absence of frequency in HVDC lines.
Reactive power compensation is not needed as there is no generation or
absorption of any reactive power. Power flowing through the DC link is
very précised and lossless.
Disadvantages of HVDC Transmissions
Disadvantages: Due to the installation of a converter substation at both
ends, conversion from AC to DC and vice versa becomes quite
expensive. Harmonics are produced by rectifiers and inverters which are
reduced by using active filters, hence the cost of the system is increased.
HVDC substation has a chance of power failure if a fault occurs in the
nearby AC substation. The overload capacity of inverters used in
converter substations is restricted. The circuit breakers used in HVDC
are very costly. Transformers are unavailable for changing the voltage
levels. Heat loss occurs in converter substations. The HVDC link itself is
also very complicated.

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