HVDC

HVDC LIGHT: NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER ENVIRONMENT
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LIST OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page No.
Abstract………………………………………………………………………2
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………….3
2. HVDC Light…………………………………………………………………4
3. HVDC Light Technology………………………………………………….5
4. Historical Background & technological Overview……………………..6
5. HVDC Light Basic Principle………………………………………………7
6. Power system Basic Benefits……………………………………………...9
7. HVDC Light Characteristics………………………………………………10
8. Technical Features………………………………………………………….12
9. HVDC Light Cable………………………………………………………….15
10. Reason Behind choice of HVDC…………………………………………..16
11. Difference between HVDC & Classical Light……………………………18
12. HVDC Light Advantages……………………………………………………20
13. HVDC Light Fault Performance……………………………………………21
14. HVDC Light Applications…………………………………………………..22
15. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………23
16. Bibliography………………………………………………………………….24
ABSTRACT
DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
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Transmitting power at high voltage and in DC form instead of AC is a new technology

proven to be economic and simple in operation which is HVDC transmission. The HVDC (High
Voltage Direct Current) technology is used to transmit electricity over long distances by
overhead transmission lines or submarine cables. It is also used to interconnect separate power
systems. A further development in this technology is HVDC light where HVDC light converters
are used for faster and efficient conversion of power.
HVDC Light is a fundamentally new power transmission technology developed recently.

It is particularly suitable for medium to small-scale power transmission applications. This new
transmission and distribution technology, HVDC Light provides an important role to today’s
requirements on our network systems and opens up new opportunities for both investors and
environmentalist alike.
HVDC light technology for transmission of electric power is introduced in this paper. Its
features, advantages and applications are pointed out. HVDC cables, their design, underground
laying, their advantages and applications are also added. The paper also gives a note on the
advantages of HDVC light cables over AC underground cables.
1. INTRODUCTION
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Competition in the electricity power industry, coupled with continued load growth
requires that the existing transmission system assets are utilized more effectively and sometimes
closer to their technical limits. As the existing AC lines become loaded closer to their thermal
capacity with increasing losses and reduced power quality we face the risk of declining network
stability. One solution would be to simply build new, more powerful AC lines.
But, it is getting increasingly difficult to obtain permits to build new high voltage
Overhead transmission lines, the right-of-way occupies valuable land. An overhead line change
the landscape, causes public resentment and are often met by political resistance. People are
increasingly concerned about the possible health hazards of living close to overhead lines.
There are many examples today of public agitation against overhead power lines and the
call for them to be buried. Media reports which link living close to power lines with higher
cancer risks and leukemia in children don’t help the situation. On the other hand laying an
underground cable is an easier process than building an overhead line. A cable doesn't change the
landscape and it doesn't need a wide right-of-way. Cables rarely meet with public opposition.
There are technical constraints, which limit the distance of traditional AC underground cables to
around 80km.
And, even though the cost of laying AC cables is rapidly reducing it still costs more than
equivalent over head lines.
Currently there is little incentive for putting high voltage lines underground particularly
when the Network Service provider is predominantly driven by cost to provide performance-
based transmission services at a competitive price. So what is the solution?
HVDC Light technology has the potential to play an important role in achieving this
solution. It provides improved power quality and power flow control as well as Introducing
extruded DC-cables which have no technical limit to distance which can be installed, and can
provide an alternative to overhead lines particularly when the total capital and environmental
costs are considered.
In Australia, at Direct Link and Murray link, we have two such examples where HVDC
Light technology with underground DC-cables has been implemented in a competitive, market-
oriented network service.
2. HVDC Light
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HVDC Light® is the successful and environmentally-friendly way to design a power

transmission system for a submarine cable, an underground cable or network interconnection.
"HVDC Light is the most interesting power transmission system developed for several decades.
It has the potential of changing the way transmissions are built in the future."
HVDC Light® is a state-of-the-art power system designed to transmit power underground

and under water, also over long distances. It offers numerous environmental benefits, including
“invisible” power lines, neutral electromagnetic fields, oil-free cables and compact converter
stations.
HVDC Light® increases the reliability of power grids, and the technology extends the
economical power range of HVDC transmission down to just a few tens of Megawatts (MW). In
the upper range, the technology now reaches 1,200 MW and ±320 kV.
HVDC Light® has the capability to rapidly control both active and reactive power
independently of each other, to keep the voltage and frequency stable. This gives total flexibility
regarding the location of the converters in the AC system since the requirements of short-circuit
capacity of connected AC network is low (SCR down to zero).
HVDC Light® was introduced in 1997. A number of underground transmissions up to 350

MW are in commercial operation and more are being built. The first commercial project delivery
- Gotland HVDC Light - turned 10 years in November 2009.
3. HVDC LIGHT TECHNOLOGY
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As its name implies, HVDC Light is a high voltage, direct current transmission
technology and is well suited to meet the demands of competitive power market for transmission
up to 330MW and for DC voltage in the ± 150kV range. Traditional HVDC, or if you like
HVDC Heavy, is designed for high voltage, direct current transmission above 300MW and for
DC voltage up to ± 600kV.
HVDC Light design is based on modular concept build up from standardized designs
with compact transportable modules, which are factory assembled and pre-tested to provide short
delivery and a fast response to the competitive market demands. These standardized modular
designs allow for delivery times as short as 12 months. It consists of two AC to DC converter
stations and a pair of underground cables interconnecting each converter station.
Fig: Layout of a 330MW HVDC Light converter Station
The converter stations are designed to be unmanned and virtually maintenance free.
Operation can be carried out remotely or automatically based on the requirements of the Network
Service contract.
The AC to DC converters employs the latest in power semiconductor technology, the
IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). This technology provides the HVDC Light converter
with a switching speed 27 times faster than a traditional HVDC, thyristor controlled converter.
This fast control makes it possible to create any phase angle or amplitude which can be
done almost instantaneously providing independent control of both active and reactive power.
From a system point of view it acts as a motor or a generator without mass.
While the transmitted active power is kept constant the HVDC Light converter can
automatically control the voltage of the connected AC network by compensating the generation
and consumption of reactive power within the capacity of its rating. In the presence of a fault on
the existing AC system the HVDC Light converter can rapidly assist with voltage support to
avoid severe disturbances in the local grid. The response time for a change in voltage can be as
quick as 50ms. With this speed of response HVDC Light will be able to control transients up to
around 3Hz, thereby helping to keep the AC bus voltage constant.
HDVC light is a transmission system including cables, converters, transformers, etc.
4. Historical Background and Technological overview
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Direct current (DC) was the first type of transmission system used in the very early days
of electrical engineering. Although the alternating current (AC) transmission system was
developed later, DC continues to play a major role in power transmission: HVDC (high voltage
direct current) is the preferred option for long distance bulk power transfer; and HVDC Light®
(explained below) is the best alternative when bulk transfer and support of the AC System is
desirable, and for applications such as off-shore and windmill installations.
AC and DC systems can be connected together. Alternating current is converted into
direct current using “rectifiers.” The first high power rectifiers to be used commercially for DC
applications were mercury arc valves, first developed in the early 1900’s. In 1954, the world’s
first commercial HVDC link based on mercury arc converters went into operation between the
Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland. This was followed by many mercury arc
installations, both small and large, around the world. Beginning in the 1960’s, mercury arc
valves were typically replaced by a second generation of rectifier technology, when
semiconductor devices made from silicon, known as thyristors, proved to be lighter, cheaper,
more reliable and more efficient than the older mercury arc technology.
The latest technology, introduced to HVDC applications by ABB in the 1990s, uses
semiconductor chips that can both rectify and control power more precisely. These chips, called
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) lie at the heart of modern HVDC Light® converters.
HVDC Light® is HVDC technology based on another significant technological advance,
referred to as voltage source converter (VSC) technology. A voltage source converter transforms
DC voltage into AC, or converts an AC signal to DC. HVDC Light® has the capability to keep
the voltage and frequency stable, which allows better stability for the overall grid, and allows for
better control of power for distribution to customers.
HVDC Light® cables are insulated by extruded polymer. Their strength and flexibility
make the HVDC Light® cables well suited for difficult installation conditions both underground
as a land cable and as a submarine cable.
5. HVDC Light Basic Principle
The key part of the HVDC Light converter consists of an IGBT valve bridge. No special
converter transformers are necessary between the valve bridge and the AC-grid. A converter
reactor can separate the fundamental frequency from the raw PWM waveform. If the desired DC
voltage does not match the AC system voltage, a normal AC transformer may be used in addition
to the reactor. A small shunt AC-filter is placed on the AC-side of the reactor. On the DC-side
there is a DC capacitor that serves as a DC filter too.
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Conventional HVDC converter technology is based on the use of line-commutated or

phase-commutated converters (PCC). With the appearance of high switching frequency
components, such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) it becomes advantageous to
build VSC (Voltage Source Converters) using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Technology.
VSC TECHNOLOGY AND PULSE WIDTH MODULATION (PWM):

In industrial drives the PCC (Phase Commutated Converter) technology which is used in
HVDC is now almost totally replaced by VSC (Voltage Source Converter) technology. The
fundamental difference between these two technologies is that VSC:s need components that can
switch off the current and not only switch it on as is the case in PCC:s. As in a VSC the current
can be switched off, there is no need for a network to commutate against. In HVDC-applications
it could then be of interest to use VSC technology in order to supply passive networks, which are
areas which lack rotating machines or networks that does not have enough power in the rotating
machines (too low short circuit power). By use of higher switching frequency components it is
possible to use Pulse Width Modulation PWM) technology. Then only one converter is needed
and the AC voltage is created by switching very fast between two fixed voltages. After low pass
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filtering the desired fundamental frequency voltage is created. In this case it is not necessary to
have a transformer for the functioning of the converter. See figure 1.
With PWM it is possible to create any phase angle or amplitude (up to a certain limit) by
changing the PWM pattern, which can be done almost instantaneous. Hereby PWM offers the
possibility to control both active and reactive power independently. This makes the VSC using
PWM a close to ideal component in the transmission network. From a system point of view it
acts as a motor or generator without mass that can control active and reactive power almost
instantaneously. Furthermore, it does not contribute to the short circuit power as the AC current
can be controlled.
IGBT
From the above it appears advantageous to shift from present Phase Commutated
Converter Technology for HVDC to VSC and PWM. Why has this not happened a long time
ago? The correct answer is that there have not been semiconductor components available that
have been good enough for the task. In this respect the IGBT is a very interesting component, as
it is a MOS-device and the power need for the control of the component is very low and can be
fed from the snubbed circuits. This makes series connection possible with good voltage
distribution even at switching frequencies in the kHz range. There is a fast development of the
IGBT:s and components for the voltage of 2.5 kV has recently become available in the market
and soon higher voltages are expected. The market for IGBT’s also increases very fast which add
to the knowledge base of the technology itself and makes it an interesting component for small
scale HVDC applications.
An entirely different concept compared with the classical HVDC converter.
In the PWM Bridge switching very fast between two fixed voltages creates the AC-
voltage. The desired fundamental frequency voltage is formed through low pass filtering of the
high frequency pulse modulated voltage.
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The PWM pattern and the corresponding power frequency voltage of a VSC converter:
6. Power System Benefits
An HVDC Light transmission can do much more than just transmit power between two
points - it can also improve conditions in the connected AC networks.
"The Pulse Width Modulated Voltage Source Converter is a close to ideal component in
the transmission network. From a system point of view it acts as a motor or generator without
mass that can control active and reactive power almost instantaneously."
In the congested power networks of today, where permission for new transmission lines
are not easy to get, building a HVDC Light® cable transmission may give more benefits than
just the added Megawatts that come over the DC cable. ABB would therefore want to present
some of the power system related advantages HVDC Light can offer.
The following pages describe some of the system aspects where Voltage Source
Converter (VSC) technology such as HVDC Light® can support the power grid. The material is
a tutorial for VSC interaction with the AC grid and shall not be treated as a performance
specification of HVDC Light.
Efforts have been made to give background information of different power system phenomena
and to give an understanding of the possible performance improvements in the grid with the VSC
technology.
7. HVDC Light Basic Characteristics
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An HVDC Light converter is easy to control (Fig 1). The performance during steady state
and transient operation makes it very attractive for the system planner as well as for the project
developer. The benefits are technical, economical, environmental as well as operational. The
most advantageous are the following:
● Independent control of active and reactive power
● Feeding of power into passive networks ( i.e. network without any generation)
● Power quality control
● Modular compact design, factory pre-tested
● Short delivery times
● Reloadable/Leasable
● Unmanned operation
● Robust against grid alterations
7.1 Control of Active and reactive power:
The control makes it possible to create any phase angle or amplitude, which can be done
almost instantly. This offers the possibility to control both active and reactive power
independently. As a consequence, no reactive power compensation equipment is needed at the
station, only an AC-filter is installed. While the transmitted active power is kept constant the
reactive power controller can automatically control the voltage in the AC-network Reactive
power generation and consumption of an HVDC Light converter can be used for compensating
the needs of the connected network within the rating of a converter (Fig 1). As the rating of the
converters is based on maximum currents and voltages the reactive power capabilities of a
converter can be traded against the active power capability. The combined active /reactive power
capabilities can most easily be seen in a P-Q diagram (positive Q is fed to the AC network).
Fig 1: Capability chart, PQ Diagram
7.2 Power Quality Control
The Light converter has s a switching frequency of 2 kHz that is 40 times faster
compared to a phase commutated converter operated at 50 Hz. This offers new levels of
performance regarding power quality control such as flicker and mitigation of voltage dips and
sags, harmonics etc caused by disturbances in the power system (Fig 2). Power Quality problems
are issues of priority for owners of industrial plants, grid operators as well as for the general
public.
In the presence of a fault which would normally lead to an AC voltage decrease the
converter can be rapidly deblocked and assist with voltage support to avoid severe disturbances
in local industries that are sensitive to voltage dips.
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The response time for a change in voltage is 50 ms i.e. for a step order change in the bus
voltage the new setting is reached within 50 ms. With this speed of response HVDC Light will
be able to control transients and flicker up to around 3 Hz, thereby helping to keep the AC bus
voltage constant.
Fig 2: Ficker mitigation with SVC Technology
7.3 Modular Compact Design, Factory pre-tested:

Major electrical equipment is delivered in enclosures and tested at factory before
shipment. This eliminates the need of any buildings and also makes the installation and
commissioning faster than for a traditional converter. The heaviest piece of equipment weights
about 20 tons and is transportable by truck direct to site. The modular design also facilities a
relocation of the converters, should that be desired due to changed conditions.
Fig 3: Layout of 65 MVA HVDC Light Converter
7.4 Robust Against Grid Alterations:

The fact that a Light converter can feed power into a passive network makes it very
robust and can easily accommodate alterations in the AC-grid to where it is connected. This is a
very valuable property in a deregulated electricity market where AC-network conditions in the
future will change more frequently than in a regulated market.
8. Technical Features
● Advantageous for long distance cable transmission.

● Power reversal without interruption.
● Can start up dead A.C network.
● No increase of short circuit current.
● Equal or longer service life than XLPE AC cables
In summary, HVDC Light combines the operational features of traditional HVDC

converters with those of static var compensators to provide new levels of performance in terms
of power quality during both steady state and transient operation.
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8.1 Underground & underwater: No visual impact:

HVDC Light® cables are designed to be direct buried. This results in no visual impact,
and also allows for rapid cable burial, which minimizes disruption to nearby residents and
stakeholders (see Figure 1).
HVDC Light® cables can also be trenched into the seabed, which minimizes the risk of
damage to the cables by third parties (e.g. fishers, undersea research facilities). Aquatic species
can quickly recognize the area once installation is complete.
HVDC Light® cables contain solid insulation, which is an improvement on other types of
HVDC and HVAC cables, which use oil or liquid-impregnated paper insulation. The use of solid
insulation eliminates the risk of oil leaks and spills in the marine environment, since oil can
escape into the environment from liquid-insulated cables.
8.2 No Electromagnetic Fields:

HVDC Light® cables do not have the same health concerns as AC power lines because
they emit no varying electromagnetic fields. The only field present is an extremely low static
magnetic field in close proximity to the cables which is similar to the natural background field of
the Earth. The cables and converter stations are shielded, which results in no electric fields.
8.3 Low magnetic field:

HVDC Light® cables are laid in pairs, usually close together. As they carry the same
current levels in opposite directions, the static magnetic fields from the cables largely cancel
each other out. Figure 2 demonstrates a bipolar DC system in which currents are flowing in
opposite directions. Cancellation occurs where the magnetic fields (as denoted by the blue and
red arrows) overlap. The resulting magnetic field decreases rapidly toward zero with distance
from the cables.
Fig: Diagram of a Bipolar Dc system

The resulting static magnetic field is similar in magnitude and character to the Earth’s
natural magnetic field. Static fields, by definition, do not fluctuate (unlike the fields associated
with AC transmission lines) and do not induce currents in nearby objects as fluctuating magnetic
fields are known to do.
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8.4 Low acoustic noise:

HVDC Light® cables do not make noise as do AC transmission lines. Noise within the
converter stations is mitigated through containment of equipment within the converter station
building and through properly designed acoustic properties of the walls and roof. The layout of
the converter station also can be designed to minimize noise and to meet local noise
requirements.
8.5 Low overall environmental impact:

Buried cables, the absence of electromagnetic fields, the freedom from concern relating
to oil leakage into the environment, the elimination of the need for wide swaths of clear-cut right
of ways, and the low visual impact of converter station structures designed to blend in with the
surrounding community, all combine to provide substantially lower overall environmental
impacts than the AC transmission alternatives.
9. HVDC Light Cable:
The HVDC Light cable is a new design triple extruded, polymeric insulated DC cable,
which has been successfully type tested to150kV DC, following a comprehensive R & D
program. It is a new lightweight cable similar in appearance and characteristics to a standard AC,
XLPE cable except that the problem associated with space charges which breakdown the
insulation when using AC, XLPE cables on DC has been overcome with this new design.
DC underground cables provide significant advantages, compared with overhead power
lines.
The cable system is complete with cables, accessories and installation services .The
cables are operated in bipolar mode. One cable with positive polarity and one cable with negative
polarity. The cables have polymeric insulating material which is very strong and robust. This
strength and flexibility make the HDVC light cables perfect for severe installation conditions.
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● The sub marine cables can be laid in deeper waters and on rough bottoms.
● The rough cables can be installed less costly with ploughing technique.
● HDVC cables can now also go overhead with Aer
10. Reason behind choice of HVDC over HVAC
10.1 Independent power transfer and power quality control
The HVDC Light® system contributes to grid stability and controllability by allowing
independent control of both the active and the reactive power flow within the operating range of
the HVDC Light® system.
Power in an AC system can be considered to consist of two types: active power (also
referred to as ‘real power’), and reactive power. Active power is the component of transmitted
AC electrical power that can be utilized by consumers and residents to do usable work. Reactive
power is the portion of power flow that represents the energy alternately stored and released by
the inductance and/or capacitance in the system and is used to control voltage on the
transmission network. Reactive power is measured in ‘volt-amperes reactive’ (VARs).
In HVDC Light® systems, the active power can be continuously controlled from full
power export to full power import. Each of the HVDC Light® stations also can control its
reactive power flow independently of the other station. However, the flow of active power to the
DC network must be balanced, which means that the active power leaving the DC network must
be equal to the active power coming into the DC network, minus the losses in the HVDC Light®
system. To attain this power balance, one of the stations controls the DC voltage, while the other
station adjusts the transmitted power within the power capability limits for the HVDC Light®
system.
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10.2 Increased transfer capacity in the existing system
The fast and accurate voltage control capability of the HVDC Light® converter makes it
possible to operate the grid closer to its full capacity. The higher voltage level at which the
HVDC Light® converter allows a transmission system to operate allows more power to be
transferred through the AC lines.
In traditional AC power transmission systems, one of the major limiting factors for power
transfer is voltage stability. If the grid is exposed to an imminent voltage collapse, which can
interrupt power supply. HVDC Light® can support the grid with the reactive power necessary to
minimize disruption to the grid and electricity customers
.
10.3 Fast restoration after blackouts
HVDC Light® can efficiently aid grid restoration after a blackout. The voltage support,
frequency support and fast time response provided by HVDC Light® are much needed during
such conditions. For example, in August 2003, when the north-east USA experienced a blackout,
the Cross Sound Cable Project (which interconnects Connecticut and Long Island) provided
voltage and frequency support, and thereby played a major role in the restoration of power to the
grid.
Black-start capability, the support provided to the AC grid by the converter stations, is
also an important feature. Black-start allows for an HVDC Light® system to greatly decrease the
time for AC grid restoration, and works as follows: The HVDC Light® converter station
normally follows the AC voltage of the connected grid. The voltage magnitude and frequency
are determined by the control systems of the generating stations. If there is a voltage collapse, or
a blackout, the HVDC Light® converter can instantaneously switch to its own internal voltage
and frequency and disconnect itself from the grid. The converter can then operate as an idling
“static” generator, ready to be connected to a “black” network to provide the first electricity to
important loads. The only requirement is that the other converter for the DC system is unaffected
by the black-out.
HVDC Light® is particularly beneficial in reducing the costs associated with the grid
restoration process. Energy costs during the period of instability can be considerably higher than
normal. By speeding the restoration process, costs are reduced.
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1. Differences between HVDC and Classical Light
Power range:
Classical HVDC is most cost effective in the high power range, above approximately
some 250 MW. HVDC Light, on the other hand, comes in unit sizes ranging from a few tens of
MW. In the upper range, the technology now reaches 1,200 MW and ±320 kV.
DC transmission circuit:
The DC transmission circuit for classical HVDC can be an overhead line or a DC cable.
The cables are normally mass-impregnated (MIND) cables suitable for HVDC with a copper
conductor and insulation made of oil impregnated paper. The vast majority of classical DC
cables are submarine cables.
The DC transmission circuit for HVDC Light is made by extruded polymer cables both for
land transmissions (underground) and across water (submarine). HVDC Light is by nature
bipolar. The DC circuit is not connected to ground. Therefore two cables are needed. HVDC
Light can also be build with over head lines - exemple Caprivi Link Interconnector
Modular:
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HVDC Light is based on a modular concept with a number of standardized sizes for the
converter stations. Most of the equipment is installed in enclosures at the factory. Conventional
HVDC is always tailor made to suit a specific application.
Converter station circuits:

HVDC Light converter stations are Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) employing state
of the art turn on/turn off IGBT power semiconductors. (IGBT = Integrated Gate Bipolar
Transistors.)
Independence of AC network:
HVDC Light does not rely on the AC network’s ability to keep the voltage and frequency
stable. Unlike conventional HVDC, the short circuit capacity is not important. HVDC Light can
feed load into a passive network (i.e. lacking synchronous machines)!
Active and reactive power control:
Classic HVDC terminals can provide limited control of reactive power by means of
switching of filters and shunt banks and to some level by firing angle control. But this control
requires additional equipment and therefore extra cost.
The HVDC Light control makes it possible to create any phase angle or amplitude, which can be
done almost instantly. This offers the possibility to control both active and reactive power
independently. In fact the same converter can be used as a SVC and it is then called SVC Light.
It is extremely effective to eliminate flicker e.g. from arc furnaces.
Low power operation and power reversal:

Unlike conventional HVDC converters, that normally has a 5% minimum current, the
HVDC Light converter can operate at very low power, and even at zero power. The active and
reactive powers are controlled independently, and at zero active power the full range of reactive
power can be utilized.
Active power transfer can be quickly reversed by HVDC Light without any change of
control mode, and without any filter switching or converter blocking. The power reversal is
obtained by changing the direction of the DC current and not by changing the DC voltage as for
conventional HVDC.
Therefore the circuit is quite different from conventional HVDC :

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Function Classical HVDC HVDC Light

Converter valves Thyristor IGBT
Connection Converter transformer Series reactor

valve - AC grid (+ transformer)
Filtering and reactive compensation 50% in filters and shunt Only small
capacitors filter
DC current smoothing Smoothing reactor + DC filter DC capacitor
Telecom between converter station Needed Not needed

controls
12. HVDC Light Advantages
● Reduced environmental impact, an underground cable has no visual impact on the

landscape. Once it's installed the cable route can be replanted with Native vegetation.
● Faster and easier issue of permits using DC underground cables. Underground cables
rarely meet with public opposition and often receive political support.
● The system reliability is enhanced with reduced risk of damage from natural causes such
as storms, wind, earthquakes and fire. You simply bury it and forget it.
● Operation and maintenance costs of the transmission easement are virtually eliminated as
there is no need for long term contracts to maintain the easement with suitable access
roads, thermo graphic checks of conductors joints, insulator replacements, constant
trimming and removal of regrowth vegetation and public safety and security.
● The width of the corridor to install the underground cable can be as narrow as 4 meters,
which will give greater flexibility with the selection of a transmission route.
● There are considerable cost savings to the community in terms of amenity, property
values and possible health risks. The installation of a DC cable has no environmental impact,
the land can continue to be used and there is virtually no magnetic radiation associated with
the bi-polar DC cable.
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Compared with AC underground cables the HVDC Light cable also
has some significant advantages to be considered:
● DC cables require only two cables between each converter station.
● Unlike AC cables, which generally have a technical limit of around 100km due to
reactive power and losses, DC-cables have no technical limit to distance.
● DC cables can carry up to 50% more power than the equivalent AC cable.
● There is no need to install groups of cables to achieve the required power rating.
● As there is no need to maintain wide distances between groups of cables, DC cables can
be ploughed direct in the ground or laid together in narrow trenches.
● DC cables have a longer life expectancy than AC cables due to its lower
Operational stress level of around 20kV/mm.
In summary, when considering the cost of installing an HVDC Light underground
transmission it is important to consider the total life cost benefits and not just the initial up front
capital costs.
13. HVDC Light fault performance
An HVDC Light transmission behaves differently compared to an AC or an HVDC Classic

transmission if there is a ground fault or short circuit.
DC cable faults
Cable faults are very rare. They are as a rule caused by mechanical damage. Therefore
submarine DC cables are often buried (except in deep waters) to prevent damage from anchors
and trawls. When a DC cable fault occurs, this is detected, the converters are blocked and the
transmission is disconnected from the AC grid at both ends.
AC network faults
When a temporary fault occurs in the AC system (on the rectifier or the inverter side), the
HVDC Light transmission may suffer a power loss depending on the fault impedance and
severity. As soon as the fault is cleared, power is restored to the pre-fault value.
At a permanent AC fault the converter will be blocked and disconnected from its AC
grid. The other converter will stay connected and can continue to stabilize the AC voltage using
the inherent reactive power capability.
Converter station faults
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Most of the HVDC Light converter station equipment is located inside a building - a fact
that provides the station with a good protection against flashovers.
HVDC Light converter stations are provided with an elaborate protection system that is designed
to detect fault conditions or other abnormal conditions that might expose equipment to hazard
and/or cause unacceptable disturbances. The converter will be blocked and disconnected from its
AC grid. The other converter will stay connected and can continue to stabilize the AC voltage
using the inherent reactive power capability.
1. Applications:
Some HVDC Light applications:

Underground power links
Connecting wind farms
Powering islands and remote loads
Interconnecting networks
City center infeed
Oil and gas offshore platforms
Multiterminal HVDC Light grid
HVDC Light technology has been well proven since the first successful pilot installation in
March 1977 with a number of commercial projects undertaken and in operation.
Applications to date include connecting wind power generation to the grid. This includes
Gotland, off the Swedish mainland, transmitting 50MW back onto the grid. The link has been
transmitting power since November 1999.
Wind generation is often placed in remote locations where the grid is weak and short
circuit power capability is quite low. They often require expansion within a few years and wind
generators absorb reactive power from the grid for magnetization.
Advantages
● Flexibility to be expanded
● Limits the short circuit power contribution
Page 23
● Supplies reactive power to wind generator, independently to active power it receives.
● A meshed DC grid can be built which connects the wind farms
Another application for HVDC Light is interconnecting different Networks.

In this application the advantages provided include:
● The flow of energy over the link can be precisely defined and controlled; thereby
capacity rights for fully commercial network are readily defined.
● The converter stations at each end can act independently of each other to provide
ancillary, reactive power support into the network.
● Underground cables facilitate the issuing of permits. Unlike Government Utilities there
are no rights of acquisition for a private developer.
● Rapid construction of the HVDC Light allows a fast response to market conditions of
market-driven network services.
● The cable route requires no easements over private land for installation, and the overall
impact on vegetation is absolute minimum. Once the cable is installed the cable route can
be replanted with native vegetation providing a net gain in native vegetation.
15. Conclusion
HVDC Light is a new technology that has been specifically developed to match the
requirements of the new competitive electricity markets. It provides the ability to connect
renewable generation to the AC grid. It allows us to supply power to remote locations and
islands replacing local diesel generation. It is an ideal vehicle for privately funded developers to
link different regions and trade energy. The technical merits are that by virtue of their
standardized prefabricated modular constructions which lead to short delivery times, it is
relocatable and can be expanded to meet growing demand. Moreover, a key advantage is that it
provides accurate control of the transmitted active power and independent control of the reactive
power in the connected AC networks.
Page 23
A pair of lightweight DC cables can be laid direct in the ground in a cost-effective way
which is comparable to or less than a corresponding total life cycle cost of AC overhead line. As
opposed to an overhead line, an underground cable pair has no visual impact on the landscape.
Usually it’s much easier to obtain permission and public approval for an underground cable
transmission compared with an overhead line, especially in residential areas. For these reasons
HVDC Light provides an important role as a business concept and opens up new opportunities
for both investors and environmentalist.
16. Bibliography
1. ABB products – hvdc and hvdc light
2. www.vattenfall.hvdc_eng.pdf
3. www.abb.com
4. www.pepei.pennnet.com
5. www.mena.abb.com
6.www.final-yearprojects.co.cc
6. www.newmaterials.com
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HVDC

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HVDC LIGHT: NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER ENVIRONMENT

Chapter Page No.

Transmitting power at high voltage and in DC form instead of AC is a new technology

HVDC Light is a fundamentally new power transmission technology developed recently.

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

HVDC Light® is the successful and environmentally-friendly way to design a power

HVDC Light® is a state-of-the-art power system designed to transmit power underground

HVDC Light® was introduced in 1997. A number of underground transmissions up to 350

3. HVDC LIGHT TECHNOLOGY

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

4. Historical Background and Technological overview

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

5. HVDC Light Basic Principle

Conventional HVDC converter technology is based on the use of line-commutated or

VSC TECHNOLOGY AND PULSE WIDTH MODULATION (PWM):

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

6. Power System Benefits

7. HVDC Light Basic Characteristics

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

7.3 Modular Compact Design, Factory pre-tested:

7.4 Robust Against Grid Alterations:

● Advantageous for long distance cable transmission.

In summary, HVDC Light combines the operational features of traditional HVDC

8.1 Underground & underwater: No visual impact:

8.2 No Electromagnetic Fields:

8.3 Low magnetic field:

Fig: Diagram of a Bipolar Dc system

8.4 Low acoustic noise:

8.5 Low overall environmental impact:

9. HVDC Light Cable:

10. Reason behind choice of HVDC over HVAC

10.1 Independent power transfer and power quality control

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

10.3 Fast restoration after blackouts

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

1. Differences between HVDC and Classical Light

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

Converter station circuits:

Low power operation and power reversal:

Therefore the circuit is quite different from conventional HVDC :

Function Classical HVDC HVDC Light

Connection Converter transformer Series reactor

DC current smoothing Smoothing reactor + DC filter DC capacitor

Telecom between converter station Needed Not needed

12. HVDC Light Advantages

● Reduced environmental impact, an underground cable has no visual impact on the

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

13. HVDC Light fault performance

An HVDC Light transmission behaves differently compared to an AC or an HVDC Classic

Some HVDC Light applications:

Another application for HVDC Light is interconnecting different Networks.

1. ABB products – hvdc and hvdc light

DR. AIT- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

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