Power Transmission and Distribution Solutions 2.

2 High-Voltage DirectCurrent Transmission

Siemens HVDC transmission is used when technical and/or economical feasibility of conventional high-voltage AC transmission technology have reached their limits. The limits are overcome by the basic operation principle of an HVDC system, which is the conversion of AC into DC and viceversa by means of high power converters. Featuring its fast and precise controllability, a Siemens HVDC can serve the following purposes: Transmission of power via very long overhead lines or via long cables where an AC transmission scheme is not economical or even not possible Transmission of power between asynchronous systems Exact control of power ow in either direction Enhancement of AC system stability Reactive power control and support of the AC voltage Frequency control Power oscillation damping

Back-to-back station AC AC

Submarine cable transmission

AC DC Cable

AC

Long-distance OHL transmission

AC DC Line

AC

Fig. 2.2-1: Overview of main power transmission applications with HVDC

2.2.2 Main Types of HVDC Schemes

The main types of HVDC converters are distinguished by their DC circuit arrangements (g. 2.2-1), as follows: Back-to-back: Rectier and inverter are located in the same station. These converters are mainly used: To connect asynchronous high-voltage power systems or systems with different frequencies To stabilize weak AC links To supply more active power where the AC system already is at the limit of its short circuit capability For grid power ow control within synchronous AC systems Cable transmission: DC cables are the most feasible solution for transmitting power across the sea to supply islands/offshore platforms from the mainland and vice versa. Long-distance transmission: Whenever bulk power is to be transmitted over long distances, DC transmission is the more economical solution compared to high-voltage AC.

2.2.1 Siemens HVDC Technologies

Depending on the converter type used for conversion between AC and DC, two technologies are available: Line Commutated Converter technology (LCC) based on thyristor valves Voltage Sourced Converter technology (VSC) based on IGBT valves, also known as HVDC PLUS Both technologies enable Siemens to provide attractive solutions for most challenging transmission tasks ranging from extra high voltage bulk power transmission to the connection of systems in remote locations to main grids; from long distance overhead line or cable to interconnection of two systems at one location.

Siemens Energy Sector Power Engineering Guide Edition 7.0

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