1.

Technical Paper on HVDC Light Technology

ABSTRACT:

Starting with a brief history of the evolution of HVDC light technology , the paper gives the definition of
“HVDC LIGHT”, and compares it with Conventional HVDC. This paper focuses on the HVDC light
converter technology and about the light cable. The advantages of HVDC light cables over AC under
ground cables and over DC under ground cables are discussed. The active and reactive power
control by HVDC light are seen and Emergency Power and Black Start Capability of HVDC Light, the
new technology prospects and the applications, by considering the possible economical and
environmental considerations are discussed.

INTRODUCTION:

As the size of a concentrated load in cities increases due to the on-going urbanization, metropolitan
power networks have to be continuously upgraded to meet the demand. Environmental issues are
also becoming more and more of a concern all over the world. Strong forces are pushing for replacing
old local generation with power transmission from cleaner sources. Land space being scarce and
expensive, substantial difficulties arise whenever new right-of-way is to be secured for the feeding of
additional power with traditional transmission lines. With increasing power levels, the risk of exceeding
the short-circuit capability of existing switchgear equipment and other network components becomes
another real threat to further expansion. Increasing demands on the power quality in urban areas is
also a factor to consider for the power system engineer. The HVDC Light system is a solution to these
problems.

This technology is designed to transmit large quantities of power using underground cables and at the
same time adds stability and power quality to the connected networks. The cables are easily installed
underground using existing right of ways, existing cable ducts, roads, subways, railways or channels.
The HVDC Light converter stations are compact and by virtue of their control, they do not contribute to
the short-circuit levels. 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
1100 MW.

EVOLUTION OF “HVDC LIGHT” TECHNOLOGY:

The reforms that have or are being introduced in the electricity sector in many countries have radically
changed the business environment of the electricity supply industry, featuring, among other, the
opening of the electricity markets, competition and electricity trade across regions and national
borders. The utility company has now a new dimension in its competitive strategy. It does no longer
need to restrict its generating assets within fixed geographic bounds, but can to a greater extent take
advantage of remote energy resources, both small and large.

Recent development efforts in transmission technology have focussed on compact, small weight and
cost-effective, so-called voltage source converters (VSC), using novel high power semiconductors
that can be switched at high frequencies. In parallel, a scientific and engineering breakthrough in
extruded DC cable technology, makes it now possible to manufacture lightweight, high-power DC
cables that are easily installed, using conventional ploughing techniques.

By combining the advances made in VSC and DC cables, a new breed of electricity transmission and
distribution technology emerges: The "HVDC Light" technology. The new technology extends the
economical power range for High Voltage Direct Current transmission (HVDC) downwards to just a
few MW. Transmission of electricity over long distances using underground DC cables is both
economical and technically advantageous. HVDC Light is thus an alternative to conventional AC
transmission or local generation in many situations. Possible application fields include the feeding of

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distant loads and the connection of distant generation plants. By feeding a remote load from the main
grid, it is feasible to shut down small, expensive and possibly polluting generation plants, as well as
eliminate the associated fuel transport. This makes the new technology very attractive from both an
economical and environmental point of view.

WHAT IS HVDC LIGHT?

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
HVDC technology based on voltage source converters (VSCs). The new transmission technology is
called "HVDC Light", thus emphasizing the lightweight and compactness features intrinsic to it as well
as its competitiveness in applications in the low end of the power scale.

HVDC Light cables have extruded polymer insulation. Their strength and flexibility make the HVDC
Light cables well suited for severe installation conditions both underground as a land cable and as a
[Link] converter station design is based on voltage source converters (VSCs)
employing state of the art turn-on/turn-off IGBT power semiconductors that operate with high
frequency pulse width modulation. 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).

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 HVDC Light cables perfect for severe installation conditions.

 The submarine cables can be laid in deeper waters and on rough bottoms.
 The land cables can be installed less costly with ploughing technique.
 HVDC cables can now also go overhead with aerial cables

HVDC LIGHT CONVERTER TECHNOLOGY:

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 IGBT’s (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) it becomes advantageous to build VSC (Voltage Source
Converters) using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Technology.

HVDC Light uses Pulse Width Modulation to generate the fundamental voltage. It controls the
magnitude and phase of the voltage freely and almost instantaneously and allows independent and
very fast control of active and reactive power flows. PWM voltage source converter does not
contribute to the short-circuit power, as the AC current can be controlled by the converter valve

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.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY:

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In parallel with the development of the IGBT based VSC technology, the development of extruded DC
cables exhibiting an outstanding voltage withstand capability, low weight per unit length as well as
very high service reliability tipped the balance in favour of HVDC technology in transmission and
distribution. The HVDC Light cable is a new design triple extruded, polymeric insulated DC-cable,
which has been successfully type-tested to 150kV DC. 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
over come with this new design. 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. DC cables do not exhibit the reactive power problem encountered in AC
cables and can therefore be used for transmission over long distances. This strength and flexibility
make the HVDC Light cables perfect for severe installation conditions:

 The land cables can be installed less costly with plowing technique.
 The submarine cables can be laid in deeper waters and on rough seabeds.
 HVDC cables can also be installed as overhead cables.

ACTIVE AND REACTIVE POWER CONTROL:

The fundamental frequency voltage across the converter reactor defines the power flow between the
AC and DC sides. Changing the phase angle between the fundamental frequency voltage generated
by the converter and the voltage on the AC bus controls the active power flow between the converter
and the network. The reactive power flow is controlled by the width of the pulses from the converter
bridge.

In an HVDC Light system the active and reactive power can be controlled at the same time like in a
synchronous converter, but the control is much faster, in the millisecond range. This fast control
makes it possible to create any phase angle or amplitude, which can be done almost instantaneously
providing dependent control of both active and reactive power. From a system point of view it acts as
a motor or a generator without mass.

EMERGENCY POWER AND BLOCK START CAPABILITY:

A VSC transmission system will be a very valuable asset during a grid restoration. It will be available
almost instantly after the blackout and does not need any short circuit capacity in order to become
connected to the grid. The benefits will differ if one or both ends are exposed to the blackout. The
following list highlights some aspects:

No need for short circuit power for commutation. Black start capability if equipped with a small diesel
generator feeding auxiliary power (or power from another grid).

Fast voltage control is available in both ends virtually instantly after the auxiliary power is back.

Can energize a few transmission lines at a lower voltage level avoiding severe Ferranti over voltage
and allow remote end connection of transformers/reactors at a safer voltage level.

When active power is available in the remote end the VSC connection can feed auxiliary power to
local plants making sure that they have a stable frequency to on.

When the local plants are synchronized to the grid they can ramp up power production at a constant
and safe speed and do not initially have to participate in frequency control.

DC underground cables provide significant advantages, compared with overhead power [Link]
include:

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  Reduced environmental impact, an underground cable has no visual impact.
 Faster and easier issue of permits using DC underground cables.
 Virtually no magnetic radiation associated with the bi-polar DC cable.

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.

 DC-cables have no technical limit to distance.
 DC cables can carry up to 50% more power than the equivalent AC cable.

Being considerably more compact and lightweight than classic HVDC, HVDC Light enables
transmission of electrical power to, from, and between offshore installations where distances prohibit
AC transmission
APPLICATION OF NEW DC TECHNOLOGY: HVDC-Light

HVDC light is expected to become the preferred alternative in many electricity supply applications
such as:

 Connection of small-dispersed electricity generators to a grid:

With the independent control of reactive and active power afforded by the VSC scheme, the varying
operating conditions of the wind power units can be allowed without negative impact on the power
quality level of the grid. The underground cable also helps in minimizing the impact of environmental
factors on the reliability and availability of the transmission while keeping the visual impact on the
environment down to a minimum. Furthermore, the VSC technology allows a variable frequency to be
used in the wind generator, thus making the plant operate at the speed that gives maximum power.
The variable speed operation scheme can boost the energy delivery of the wind power plant by 5-
25%, thus improving the economy of the installation. Obviously, the HVDC-light technology is very
suited for the collection, transmission and distribution of electricity from small, run-of-the-river, hydro
power plants.

 Delivery of electricity to islands:

Electricity from a remote power system, supplied via an HVDC-Light link, can successfully
replace diesel-generating sets that are commonplace in such cases. Transporting electricity
with the new HVDC Light scheme effectively cuts down the relatively expensive operating
costs associated with the transportation of diesel fuel to the islands as well as with the
relatively low energy conversion efficiency of smaller diesel-generator units. Other possible
applications are the supply of electricity to offshore oil and gas platforms, where space and
equipment weight are at a premium, or the use of excess gas from oil platforms to generate
and transmit electric power to mainland locations. At present, designs in the range 1-60 MW
with cables operating at 100 kV are being considered. In future both power and voltages are
expected to increase, yielding much higher transmission capacities.

 Feeding electric power to large and rapidly growing cities:

As the size of a concentrated load increases due to on-going urbanization, the metropolitan power
network has to be continuously upgraded to meet the demand. Land space being scarce and
expensive, substantial difficulties arise whenever new right-of-way is to be secured for the feeding of
additional power. Furthermore, with increasing power levels, the risk of exceeding the short-circuit
capability of switchgear equipment and other network components becomes a real threat to further
expansion. Consequently new power in feed solutions is required. The HVDC-light technology meets

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both demands: The cables are easily installed underground, the converter stations are compact and
by virtue of their control, they do not contribute to short-circuit levels.

 Feeding of electric power to remotely located loads:

Small cities, mining districts, villages and other places that are located far from any electrical network,
can now be economically fed from larger networks via an HVDC-light link. In this way, the advantages
afforded by large electricity networks are brought to basically any place on land or even offshore. In
the past, for loads in the range below 100 MW, local generation was necessary if the distance
between the existing electric grid and the load was beyond what is possible to achieve economically
using traditional AC technology. The new DC technology makes it possible to cost effectively bridge
across large distances with a minimum of losses.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

 Magnetic fields are eliminated since HVDC Light cables are laid in pairs with DC currents in
opposite directions.
 It offers no overhead lines, neutral electromagnetic fields, oil-free cables and compact
converter stations.
 The cable insulation is power electronic based are not dangerous.

CONCLUSIONS:

The technical development that has recently taken place in the field of electrical transmission, coupled
to a changing business environment of the electricity supply industry and the deregulation of energy
sector at large, lead to a growing attractiveness of electrical transmission.

The hallmarks of the new technology are: short lead times, cost effectiveness, compactness,
environmental friendliness, and ease of application. It is anticipated that this technology will quickly
become the preferred alternative for transportation of energy, in many application cases where
electricity transmission was not considered previously.

REFERENCES:

 B. Normark, D. Ravemark, “Underground transmission with HVDC Light”.

 “Power System Stability benefits with VSC DC-Transmission Systems”, CIGRE.
 K. Eriksson, “HVDC Light – An excellent tool for City Center Infeed”.

2 .HVDC LIGHT TECHNOLOGY

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Contents:
Abstract 2

1. Introduction 3

1. HVDC light technology 5

2. HVDC light cable 8

3. Conclusions 13

4. References 14

ABSTRACT:

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,
under ground 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.

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 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

Competition in the electricity power industry, coupled with continued load

growth requires that the existing transmission system assets are utilized more effectively
and some times 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 leukaemia 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.

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 In Australia, at Direct Link and Murraylink, we have two such examples where
HVDC Light technology with underground DC-cables has been implemented in a
competitive, market-oriented network service.

CHAPTER-2
HVDC Light Technology:
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 standardised

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
standardised 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. 2, Layout of a 330MW HVDC Light converter station

Fig. 2, Layout of a 330MW HVDC Light converter station

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 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.

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.

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 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.

CHAPTER-3
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.
 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 Aerial cables.

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 Environmentally friendly:
 Magnetic fields are eliminated since HVDC light cables are laid in pairs with anti-
parallel dc currents.
 Risk of oil spill, as in paper-oil-insulated cables, is eliminated.

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, thermographic 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.

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.

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  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.

Applications:
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 magnetisation

Advantages
 Flexibility to be expanded
 Limits the short circuit power contribution
 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.

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  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.

Typical Layout Of HVDC SubStation:

Two identical parallel systems each feed one drive system on the platform from the
existing 132kv network through a converter station and a 70km long HVDC Light sub
sea cable.

CHAPTER-4
Conclusions
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

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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 standardised 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. 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.

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