Presented at Cigr Symposium, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, September 1999

Viability of a National HVDC Transmission Ring in India

Mata Prasad* Rebati Dass S. Chakravorty Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., Power System Engineering & Business Development, New Delhi, India Summary The paper presents the current scenario in India as regards the EHV AC and DC transmission backbone systems. The ultimate goal of the transmission sector is to create an integrated national power system grid for the effective distribution of electrical energy throughout the country. This paper proposes HVDC as an attractive alternative for the transformation of the network from independent regional grids to a fully integrated national grid, and details how the existing, decided and planned HVDC systems could be utilised in such a scheme. A conceptual scheme and control strategy is presented to achieve an HVDC national ring-main. Advantages of such a scheme in terms of its reliability, controllability and immunity to different grid disturbances are enumerated. The paper also outlines the challenges involved in terms of algorithms required for control coordination among different HVDC links and load despatch centres for achieving such a system. Keywords National Grid - HVDC Transmission - HVDC Converter - HVDC Bipole - HVDC Back-to-Back HVDC Ring-main - Bulk Power-Control System Communication System - Load Despatch Centre Optic Fibre. 1. Introduction The Indian power systems have been developing over the years in the form of integrated independent regional grids based on regional self-sufficiency. The entire national power system has been divided into five regional grids, namely; Northern, Western, Southern, Eastern and North-Eastern. The combined installed generating capacity of these Regions in the recent past (1997) was around 86120 MW with each of the above Regions accounting for 24567, 25064, 20477, 14383 and 1629 MW, respectively. As on date the combined capacity is more than 89000 MW. The state and central governments treat electrical power as a concurrent subject. The regulations of power and overall control are a joint effort and the system is undergoing change for optimal control. Carl-Gte Carlsson Gran Isacsson ABB Power Systems AB, Sweden

The prevailing highest AC and DC transmission system voltages are 400 kV and 500 kV, respectively. The 400 kV AC transmission system has matured enough in Northern, Western and Southern regions and will become even stronger in a few years time. In respect of HVDC there are a few existing transmission links and back-to-back stations, and a few others under construction or in bidding stage, which have been detailed in section 4 below. However, there is an ever-increasing demand on more and reliable electric power supply from all consumer sectors. It is estimated that India will need an additional capacity of about 100000 MW over next 15 years for ensuring sustained economic growth of about 7 to 8%. A significant part of this capacity is likely to come from the unexploited vast hydro-potential in the Himalayan region, namely; Nepal and the North-Eastern part of India. The geological experts put the estimated figures in the range of 70000-85000 MW. To transmit such capacity additions would require commensurate bulk power transmission schemes that would include a number of HVDC bipoles. 2. Need for Integrated Grid Operation The Indian regional grids are quite different from each other in terms of composition of power generation. Some have a good mix of hydro and thermal generation while others have predominantly hydro or thermal generation. Due to staggering of monsoon season, even the nature of hydro generation is somewhat different as it peaks at different times of the year in Southern and other regions. In order to achieve effective and optimal utilisation of electrical energy and transmission resources in the country, it is vital that all the five regional power grids in the country are strengthened and integrated to form a national power grid. The main impediments in achieving this, much needed, objective are as follows: Lack of state-of-the-art regional load despatch centres (RLDC) and communication facilities. Lack of rational tariff structure for inter-regional power exchange. Large difference in operating frequency of different regions due mainly to the lack of grid discipline, which can be brought about through state-of-the-art RLDCs.

Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., 4th Floor, 71 Guru Angad Bhawan, Nehru Place, New Delhi, India

Inadequacy of high capacity trunk lines and reliable ring-main system(s).

control systems and/or from RLDCs and national load despatch centre (NLDC). Possibility of forced stabilisation of the national grid in the event of disturbances through various defence plans. Isolation of regional grids will be possible by safe blocking, in case of proliferation of a grid disturbance.

3. Means to Achieve Integrated Grid Operation The ultimate goal of evolving a national power grid can best be achieved by keeping in view the nature of the existing and planned bulk power transmission systems in different regions of the country as well as present and near future interconnections between different regions. Different possible options of the integration are discussed below. 3.1. EHVAC Ring As indicated above, the highest existing EHVAC transmission system consists of a fairly strong network of 400 kV lines and associated substations. It is possible, and is being attempted, to interconnect adjoining regional grids by building rather short 400 kV lines at the boundaries. At present, it is not possible to operate regions interconnected in this fashion as uncontrolled power flow takes place on such links due to difference in operating frequency of the interconnected grids. Since the existing RLDCs are not equipped to bring about effective grid control and discipline, practically it seems impossible to achieve the objective. Moreover, due to limited power carrying capacity of 400 kV lines, it is impossible to realise a reliable ring-main system. There is another possibility of having a national ringmain system comprising 735/765/800 kV lines. As a matter of fact, there are few 765 kV lines under construction and some of which initially are to be operated at 400 kV. But the extent of 765 kV network required to form a kind of national ring-main would be enormous. However, it could be possible to have a kind of ring-main on regional basis. 3.2 HVDC Ring There are a number of bulk power HVDC transmission systems in operation, under construction as well as under medium and long term planning. These systems are very strong and involve long intra and inter-regional distances. One attractive alternative could be to transform the existing and upcoming HVDC systems into a backbone national ring-main system by adding a few missing links, modern control and communication systems. The HVDC ring will become a kind of overlay EHV transmission system for 400 kV AC network. There will be some definite advantages of an HVDC ring-main system, such as: Short circuit level will be contained thereby obviating the need for either replacement of exiting 400 kV equipment that are rated for 40 kA or putting series reactors. Full control over power flow, which can be exercised either through individual HVDC link

3.3 Hybrid Ring After the different regional grids stabilise in terms of their operating parameters, the interconnection through 400 kV AC lines at the regional boundaries can be done smoothly without creating any problems in the operation of the concerned grids. Such a regional interconnection can co-habit with an HVDC ring-main. During the period when such an interconnection is not possible, already implemented and in the process of being implemented HVDC back-to-back links will serve the purpose of interconnection on a small-scale power exchange basis. 4. Present and Future HVDC Schemes India is one of the few countries having a large number of HVDC schemes in operation; under commissioning, construction and planning. The HVDC schemes presently in operation are: 2x250 MW, 70 kV Vindhyachal back-to-back link connecting Northern and Western regions. 1500 MW, 500 kV, 814 km long bipole link between Rihand and Dadri in Northern region. 2x500 MW, 140 kV Chandrapur back-to-back link connecting Southern and Western regions. 1500 MW, 500 kV, 752 km long bipole link between Chandrapur and Padghe in Western region. 500 MW, 140 kV Vizag back-to-back link connecting Southern and Eastern regions. 2000 MW, 500 kV, 1376 km long bipole link between Talcher and Kolar between Eastern and Southern regions. 500 MW, 140 kV Sasaram back-to-back link connecting Northern and Eastern regions.

The links under erection/commissioning are:

Those under bidding stage are:

There are a couple of HVDC links under active consideration for implementation within 3-6 years time from now. Most of these are bulk power bipole transmission systems. So far as long term planning is concerned, beyond 6 years from now, a large number of high capacity long distance bipole schemes are being considered for evacuation of power from hydro power stations from North-Eastern part of India [1]. Though at conceptual stage, there is a likelihood of long distance bulk power HVDC bipole lines from the neighbouring country of Nepal [2].

5. Feasibility of Integrating HVDC Schemes After having so many HVDC links, it is prudent to extract maximum benefits from the huge investment, versatility and superior technical features of these links. It is interesting to note that the following factors favour, even more, the integration of the HVDC links into an HVDC ring-main system: The existing HVDC transmission lines have capacity to carry more than 2500 MW power continuously as against their present utilisation of 1650 MW (low ambient). In view of the available transmission line capacity, it is possible to augment HVDC converter stations, e.g. by addition of new converters in parallel, in future to create more power transmission capacity. Too strict environmental regulations will allow very restricted availability of new transmission corridors, even adjacent to the existing ones. All the major regions will have HVDC bipoles in operation in near future, 3-6 years from now, on either intra or inter regional basis. In progress asynchronous inter-regional connections through HVDC back-to-back links will provide second line of defence against grid disturbances. In fact, to be more effective for optimal operation, all the inter-regional back-to-back links should be of 2x500 MW rating.

Dadri

Dehang

Ballabhgarh

Rihand

Jaipur Vadodra

Talcher

Ib Valley Padghe Chandrapur

Kolar

Mangalore

Madras

Existing/under construction Under planning/bidding Likely to be considered in future

Figure 1: Conceptual HVDC ring-main scheme In fact, this scheme has two levels of interconnections, namely, one in the form of an HVDC ring-main and another in the form of inter-regional asynchronous interconnections through HVDC back-to-back links. This two level interconnection is shown in Figure 2. There are four HVDC back-to-back links with the names and capacities as indicated above. These are shown abbreviated in Figure 2 as VDBTB (Vindhyachal back-to-back), CHBTB (Chandrapur back-to-back), VZBTB (Vizag back-to-back) and SRBTB (Sasaram back-to-back).
Dadri Dehang

Conceptually, it is possible to achieve an integration of the existing and future HVDC links in the country. Figure 1 shows such a conceptual scheme. As per this scheme the following power equipment, control and communication system would have to be added to the combined present and future HVDC bipole systems: One converter each at Vadodra, Mangalore and Madras. Transmission lines between Ballabhgarh-Vadodra, Vadodra-Padghe, Padghe-Mangalore, MangaloreMadras, Madras-Kolar, Chandrapur-IbValley and Talcher-Rihand. Integrated control and communication systems.

Ballabhgarh

SRBTB

NER ER

Rihand

NR
VDBTB

Jaipur Vadodra

Talcher

Ib Valley Padghe

Depending on the power flow requirements and capacity of the HVDC lines, converters can be added in parallel. The present design of the HVDC lines will provide a ring, which will be as strong as more than 2500 MW. While carrying out a feasibility study, a large number of alternative schemes will have to be considered with detailed techno-economic analysis of each one of them. As a matter of fact, by the time the planners consider implementation of an HVDC ring, very useful development in the area of power system control, e.g. fast computers with enormous capability and capacity of data processing, would have taken place and that will come very handy in its implementation.

WR

Chandrapur

VZBTB

Kolar

B BT CH

SR
Mangalore Madras

Existing/under construction Under planning/bidding Likely to be considered in future

Figure 2: Conceptual scheme with back-to-back links

5.2.2 Reliable Communication System 5.1 Status of Present Day Technology Over the last few years, there has been a big leap forward in terms of speed of computers to perform complex calculations, signal processing and capability of handling big volume of data necessary to control any complex system. So far as control of HVDC converters is concerned, Quebec-New England multiterminal system with three terminals (designed for five terminal operation) was commissioned successfully and has shown satisfactory operational performance [3]. In terms of load despatch centres, the present day technology, by and large, is able to provide all those control and supervision features which are necessary for the operation of a big and complex power grid. 5.2 Technological Challenges In spite of the fact that the control system technology has taken a giant leap forward, there are still a few challenges that should be met in order to realise the type of control and co-ordination, which will be required for proper implementation of an HVDC ring-main system. Some of the control features needed for the ring-main control are discussed below. A conceptual control schematic with different layers of controls envisaged for an effective control of the different constituents of the ring-main system is also presented. 5.2.1 HVDC Controls Though it is possible to effectively implement and operate a multiterminal HVDC system with a number of converter stations, there are certain issues, which need to be addressed before realising a successful control system for a complex HVDC multiterminal system participating in a national HVDC grid. Some of these issues are: (a) Hierarchical formulation and implementation of control algorithms which will take care of ; Dedicated objectives of the individual links, e.g. evacuation of power from a power generating plant, frequency control under generator or power plant islanded conditions. Regional objectives of the link(s), e.g. to maintain a proper load generation balance, optimal power flow on lines and grid stabilisation functions. National objectives of the links, e.g. regional interchange of energy for optimal utilisation and conservation of resources on national basis. Co-ordination among all the HVDC links constituting the ring-main system. Co-ordination with different RLDCs. Figure 3: Conceptual control co-ordination system To be able to realise the controls with the gigantic and complex tasks as indicated above, very fast and reliable state-of-the-art communication systems for transfer of huge amount of data and control signals among HVDC links, RLDCs and NLDC will be required. Such a communication system may rely on optic fibre and communication satellite systems. As it looks today, satellite communication may be difficult due to transmission delays. It shall be possible to make use of the HVDC or EHVAC transmission lines for laying optic fibre systems. Though present day communication technology possesses the required potential, it needs to be tailored to suit the requirements as mentioned above. 5.2.3 Control Co-ordination with RLDCs The control co-ordination with RLDCs can conceptually be divided into two categories, namely, one involving co-ordination at intra-regional and second at interregional level as shown in Figure 3. In this figure, NRLDC, SRLDC, ERLDC and WRLDC refer to Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western load despatch centres, respectively. The North-Eastern region is not separately shown as it likely to be merged and synchronised with the Eastern region. This is due to mainly to the fact that it is much smaller in terms of the installed capacity at present. Though in future with the development of hydro potential it will become quite large yet by that time the dream of a national power grid would have been realised. In this figure, it is assumed that individual link control (ILC) of the links within a region will interact with the corresponding RLDC. An inter-regional link control would have to interact with the load despatch centres of both the regions.
ILC

NRLDC
ILC ILC

ILC

WRLDC

NLDC

ERLDC

ILC

ILC

ILC

SRLDC

(b)

ILC

Development of control hardware and software to realise all the functions listed under a) above.

5.2.4 Co-ordination between RLDCs and NLDC The NLDC will interact with all the regional load despatch centres and take charge of the national grid control functions such as global load generation balance, optimal load despatch, inter-regional energy exchange, etc. The control concept shown in Figure 3 considers the control and supervision for the ring-main comprising only bulk power HVDC transmission links. There could be another level of control, which can be added by taking into account all the back-to-back schemes with a view to controlling and supervising inter-regional energy exchange with a supplementary function of enhancing national grid stability. Figure 4 shows the inclusion of such a control function. This, of course, adds to the control complexity. In the actual implementation, there would be a need to develop a proper control and supervision hierarchy. The NRLDCs and NLDC will encompass the control and supervision system not only for HVDC systems but also for EHVAC system. As mentioned in section 3.3 above, there could be two tier ring-mains, namely, HVDC and EHVAC.

A national HVDC ring-main is conceptually viable subject to resolution of issues related with controls and communication systems. References
[1] [2] Fourth National Power Plan 1997-2012, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Government of India. Mata Prasad, S.K. Deb, Rebati Dass, Goran Isacsson, Andreas Borsos; Imminent Challenges of Bulk Power Transmission from the Himalayan Region for India (Cigre SC 14, International Colloquioum on HVDC and FACTS, Paper no.5.1.1, 29-30 September 1997, Johannesburg, South Africa). Y. Allard, D. Soulier, J. Cochrane, B. Railing; Multiterminal Operations Experience Hydro-QuebecNepool Phase-II HVDC (Cigre SC14, International Colloquioum on HVDC and FACTS, Paper no. 6.4, September 1995, Montreal, Canada).

[3]

Acknowledgement The authors are thankful to the management of Asea Brown Boveri Ltd and ABB Power Systems AB for permitting the publication of this paper. The views expressed in the paper are that of the authors and not necessarily that of the companies.

ILC

NRLDC
ILC
ILC ILC

ILC

ILC

WRLDC

NLDC

ERLDC

ILC

ILC

ILC

ILC

ILC

SRLDC

ILC

Figure 4: Conceptual control with back-to-back links

6. Conclusion The realisation of an HVDC ring-main system will facilitate effective utilisation of the built-in overcapacity of the HVDC lines, will provide versatile control features and integration with the regional as well as national load despatch centres.