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High-Voltage Direct-Current Transmission

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Advanced Technologies for Future Transmission Grids

Part of the book series: Power Systems ((POWSYS))

Abstract

This chapter introduces the two main types of high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission, i.e., the line-commutated current source converter (CSC) technology and its self-commutating voltage source converter (VSC) counterpart, and describes how both technologies can play a crucial role in the further development of power transmission systems.

After a brief historical background and outlook, an overview over the technological fundamentals shall help the reader to better understand the benefits and characteristics of both types of HVDC in comparison to conventional high-voltage alternating-current (HVAC) transmission technologies. This technological discussion is accompanied by economic and environmental elements in order to enable for a complete techno-economic assessment. A list of selected HVDC installations that are in operation to date is provided. This chapter concludes with a set of guidelines that shall support transmission system operators (TSOs) in their decision-making process of how to solve current system issues, e.g., the lack of transmission network capacity, under technological, economic, and environmental constraints.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In fact, a limiting factor for the length of the transmission line is the voltage drop along the transmission route. However, in HVDC systems the voltage drop is a function of the line resistance which in turn can be influenced by the design parameters of the cable or overhead line conductors in order to meet the voltage drop requirements.

  2. 2.

    It shall be clearly stated that the impact of a magnetic DC field on animate being is not yet scientifically assessed and therefore cannot be declared neither nonhazardous nor hazardous from a legal point of view. However, the electromagnetic field emission of HVDC transmission systems is in line with local environmental regulations.

  3. 3.

    The load reference-arrow system is used.

  4. 4.

    The effective short-circuit power of an AC network node is its rated short-circuit power reduced by the power of connected AC filters and reactive compensation.

  5. 5.

    Using the load reference-arrow system.

  6. 6.

    This is true only for \( E = 0 \) or \( \delta = 0. \)

  7. 7.

    In this simulation, it is assumed that all three conductors of the HVAC line are used in parallel operation in order to form one HVDC pole.

  8. 8.

    In case of the outage of one pole of the HVDC installation, the transmission line can still be operated with the remaining pole at half of the rated power.

  9. 9.

    The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) is a European association comprising the former TSOs of UCTE, NORDEL, BALTSO, UKTSOA, and ATSOI.

  10. 10.

    The CSC HVDC back-to-back station is located at the Vyborg bus bar in Russia.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany

    Sven Rüberg

  2. RSE S.p.A., Milan, Italy

    Angelo L’Abbate

  3. EC Joint Research Centre, Petten, The Netherlands

    Gianluca Fulli & Arturs Purvins

Authors
  1. Sven Rüberg
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  2. Angelo L’Abbate
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  3. Gianluca Fulli
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  4. Arturs Purvins
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sven Rüberg .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico, via Rubattino 54, Milano, 20134, Italy

    Gianluigi Migliavacca

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Rüberg, S., L’Abbate, A., Fulli, G., Purvins, A. (2013). High-Voltage Direct-Current Transmission. In: Migliavacca, G. (eds) Advanced Technologies for Future Transmission Grids. Power Systems. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4549-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4549-3_5

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