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STUDY OF HVDC BACK-TO-BACK COUPLING 
SCHEME WITH CASE STUDY OF 
VINDHYACHAL GRID 
Project No. – 7 
Submitted as a 
Major Project for the 
Degree of Bachelor of Engineering 
Year 2005-2006 
Guided by: Submitted by: 
Miss Madhu Gupta Rashmi Jain 
Saurabh Saxena 
Vaseem Mansuree 
Department of Electrical Engineering 
SHRI VAISHNAVSM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE 
INDORE 
Project No. – 7: Study of HVDC back-to-back coupling shemes with case study of Vindhyachal Grid 
Rashmi jain, Saurabh Saxena & Vaseem Ahmad Mansuree
STUDY OF HVDC BACK-TO-BACK COUPLING 
SCHEME WITH CASE STUDY OF 
VINDHYACHAL GRID 
Major Project 
A Dissertation submitted to 
Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidhyalaya, Bhopal 
towards partial fulfillment of the 
Degree of Bachelor of Engineering 
in 
Electrical Engineering 
Year 2005-2006 
Guided by: Submitted by: 
Miss Madhu Gupta Rashmi Jain 
Saurabh Saxena 
Vaseem Mansuree 
Department of Electrical Engineering 
SHRI VAISHNAVSM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE 
INDORE
(57,),$7(  
 
This is to certify that Miss Rashmi Jain (0802EE033D06), Mr. Saurabh Saxena 
(0802EE021050)  Mr. Vaseem Ahmad Mansuree (0802EE021054) students of Final 
Year (VIII Semester), Electrical Engineering Branch, working in a group have successfully 
completed the required work for this semester for the major project no. 7 titled “STUDY 
OF HVDC BACK-TO-BACK COUPLING SCHEME WITH CASE STUDY OF 
VINDHYACHAL GRID”. This project work is a part of the syllabus prescribed by 
R.G.P.V. under the subject “Major Project” for the academic year 2005-06. 
Project Guide Head of Department 
Internal Examiner External Examiner 
Department of Electrical Engineering 
SHRI VAISHNAVSM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE 
INDORE
$.12:/('*(0(176 
 
No great tasks can be completed successfully without suitable functional 
environment and proper guidance. We are thankful to the board of education for 
giving us a chance to apply our theoretical knowledge to develop practical skills 
through this project. 
We feel immense pleasure and deep feeling of gratitude towards Miss 
Madhu Gupta (Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering) for encouraging us 
in choosing this project and guiding us with constructive and valuable suggestions 
and constant motivation, which not merely helped but enabled us to complete the 
report. We express our gratitude towards Proff. R. N. Paul (HOD, Electrical 
Engineering Department) for his guidance and timely advice for the preparation of 
the report. 
We are also thankful to Mr. M. C. Sahu (D.G.M., HVDC BTB 
Vindhyachal, PGCIL), Mr. A. K. Pandey (Manager, HVDC BTB, Vindhyachal, 
PGCIL), Mr. Praveen Ranjan (Dy. Manager, HVDC BTB, Vindhyachal, PGCIL) 
for their guidance and providing functional environment during our visit to 
Vindhyachal BTB station. 
And finally heartfelt appreciation to all those persons, who were directly 
and indirectly, helpful in completing this report. 
Rashmi Jain 
Saurabh Saxena 
Vaseem Ahmad Mansuree
Contents 
CONTENTS 
Page No. 
1. Synopsis 
1. Aim 1 
2. Objectives 2 
3. Introduction 3 
3.1 Introduction to HVDC 3 
3.2 HVDC scenario in India 4 
3.3 Selection of voltage level for HVDC transmission 5 
3.4 Cost structure of HVDC 7 
3.5 HVDC connection schemes 8 
4. EHV-AC versus HVDC 11 
4.1 Technical considerations 11 
4.2 Economical considerations 13 
5. HVDC back to back interconnection 15 
5.1 Significance 15 
5.2 Overview of operation 15 
6. Substation configuration 17 
6.1 Converter bridge unit 18 
6.2 Converter transformer 20 
6.3 Smoothing reactor 23 
6.4 Filters 23 
6.5 Reactive power sources 24 
6.6 Transmission medium 25 
6.7 DC switchgear 25 
6.8 Earth electrode 25 
7. Future work to be done 26 
8. Utility and application of the project 26 
9. Conclusion 27 
2. Introductions
Contents 
3. Chapter 1: Converter analysis 
1.1 Thyristor valve 30 
1.1.1 General 30 
1.1.2 Valve design consideration 30 
1.1.3 Valve firing 31 
1.1.4 Recent trends 32 
1.2 Choice of converter configuration 32 
1.2.1 Valve rating 33 
1.2.2 Transformer rating 34 
1.3 Analysis of Graetz circuit 34 
1.3.1 General 34 
1.3.2 Analysis without overlap 36 
1.3.3 Analysis with overlap 40 
1.3.4 Inversion 48 
1.4 Steady state equivalent circuit 51 
4. Chapter 2: HVDC control 
2.1 Introduction 52 
2.2 Principle of DC link control 52 
2.2.1 Desired features of control 53 
2.3 Voltage–current characteristics for HVDC converter 55 
2.3.1 Individual characteristics 55 
2.3.2 Combined characteristics 57 
2.4 Basic control system 58 
2.4.1 Firing angle control 59 
2.4.2 Constant minimum ignition angle control 60 
2.4.3 Constant current control 60 
2.4.3 Constant extinction angle control 62 
2.5 Master control 62 
2.6 Higher level controllers 62 
2.7 System control hierarchy 63 
2.8 Reactive power control 64 
2.8.1 Introduction 64 
2.8.2 Steady state reactive power requirement 65 
2.8.3 Sources of reactive power 70
Contents 
5. Chapter 3: Harmonics and filters 
3.1 Introduction 75 
3.2 Generation of harmonics 77 
3.2.1 Generation on AC side 77 
3.2.2 Generation on DC side 77 
3.3 Characteristic harmonics 78 
3.3.1 Harmonics at no overlap 79 
3.3.2 Harmonics with overlap 81 
3.4 Non-Characteristic harmonics 83 
3.4.1 Causes 83 
3.4.2 Amplification 84 
3.4.3 Consequences 84 
3.5 Troubles caused by harmonics 84 
3.6 Means of reducing harmonics 85 
3.6.1 Increased pulse number 85 
3.6.2 Application of filter 85 
3.7 Filters 86 
3.7.1 Purpose 86 
3.7.2 Classification 86 
3.7.3 Cost 87 
3.7.4 AC filters 88 
3.7.5 DC filters 89 
6. Chapter 4: Converter faults and protection 
4.1 Introduction 90 
4.2 Converter Faults 90 
4.2.1 General 90 
4.2.2 Arc-back 91 
4.2.3 Arc-through 92 
4.2.4 Misfire 92 
4.2.5 Quenching (current extinction) 92 
4.2.6 Commutation failure 93 
4.2.7 Short circuit in bridge 95 
4.3 Protection 95 
4.3.1 General 95 
4.3.2 DC reactor 96 
4.3.4 Voltage oscillations and valve dampers 96 
4.3.5 Current oscillations and anode dampers 97
Contents 
7. Chapter 5: Case study 
5.1 Introduction 98 
5.2 Location of Vindhyachal HVDC Back-to-Back station 98 
5.3 Technical information and data 98 
5.4 Nominal ratings 99 
5.5 Single line diagram 100 
5.6 Equipments 101 
5.7.1 Converter transformer 101 
5.7.2 Thyristor valve 103 
5.7.3 Smoothing reactor 107 
5.7.4 Filter and shunt bank 108 
5.7 System control and auxiliary power 109 
5.7.1 Control hierarchy 109 
5.7.2 Control modes 109 
5.7.3 Block control 110 
7.7.4 Station level controller 111 
5.8 Other auxiliaries 112 
5.8.1 Valve cooling system 112 
5.8.2 D.G. Set 113 
5.8.3 PLCC Room 113 
5.8.4 Battery Room 114 
5.8.5 Battery Charging Room 114 
5.8.6 Fire Fighting System 114 
5.9 Operations and maintenance 115 
8. Conclusions 116 
9. Bibliography 117
Synopsis 1 
AIM 
Study and analysis of HVDC back-to-back coupling scheme  
case study of Vindhyachal HVDC back-to-back interconnection 
between Western and Northern Regions.
Synopsis 2 
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 
¾To understand the basic operation of HVDC interconnection. 
¾To study and analyze converter operation. 
¾To study the various design considerations of converter transformer 
¾To study the problem of harmonics during converter operation 
¾To analyze the operation of filters and smoothing reactor 
¾To study reactive power requirement and compensation schemes 
adopted in HVDC 
¾To study and analyze the control parameters governing the 
magnitude and direction of power flow. 
¾To Study the coupling scheme adopted at Vindhyachal back-to-back 
interconnection between Northern region and Western region.
Synopsis 3 
INTRODUCTION 
1. Introduction to HVDC 
Early electric power distribution schemes used alternating-current 
generators located near the customer's loads. As electric power use became 
more widespread, the distances between loads and generating plant 
increased. Since the flow of current through the distribution wires resulted in 
a voltage drop, it became difficult to regulate the voltage at the extremities 
of distribution circuits. A generator connected to a long ac transmission line 
may become unstable and fall out of synchronization with a distant ac power 
system. 
An HVDC transmission link may make it economically feasible to use 
remote generation sites. HVDC transmissions make an important 
contribution to controlling power transmissions, safeguarding stability and 
containing disturbances. 
In an HVDC transmission, electric power is taken from a three-phase 
.AC network, converted to DC in a converter station, transmitted to the 
receiving point by a cable or overhead line and then converted back to AC in 
another converter station and injected into the receiving AC network. As the 
conversion process is fully controlled, the transmitted power is not dictated 
by impedances or phase angle differences, as is the case with AC. 
The investment costs for HVDC converter stations are higher than for 
high voltage AC substations. On the other hand, the costs of transmission 
medium (overhead lines and cables), land acquisition/right-of-way costs are 
lower in the HVDC case. Moreover, the operation and maintenance costs are 
lower in the HVDC case. Initial loss levels are higher in the HVDC system, 
but they do not vary with distance. In contrast, loss levels increase with
Synopsis 4 
distance in a high voltage AC system. The following picture shows the cost 
breakdown (shown with and without considering losses). 
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The breakeven distance depends on several factors, as transmission 
medium (cable or OH line), different local aspects (permits, cost of local 
labor etc.). When comparing high voltage AC with HVDC transmission, it 
is important to compare a bipolar HVDC transmission to a double-circuit 
high voltage AC transmission, especially when availability and reliability 
is considered. 
2. HVDC Scenario in India 
In India, HVDC technology is new and presently only seven HVDC 
links are under operation and two links are under construction. These are 
Commissioned Projects 
1. HVDC Back to Back station, Vindhyachal (Madhya Pradesh) 
2*250 = 500 MW (Northern region and Western region) 
2. HVDC Back to Back station, Sasaram (Bihar) 
1*500 = 500 MW (Eastern Region and Northern Region) 
3. HVDC Back to Back station, Vijag (Andhra Pradesh) 
2*500 = 1000 MW (Southern region and Eastern region)
Synopsis 5 
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4. HVDC Back to Back station, Chandrepur (Maharashtra) 
2*500 = 1000 MW (Western region and Southern region) 
5. HVDC Bipolar line; Chandrapur (MH) to Padeghe (MH) 
Ratings: ± 500 kV, 1500 MW, 850 km 
6. HVDC bipolar line; Talser to Kollar (Karnataka) 
Ratings: ± 500 kV, 2000 MW, 1700 km. 
7. HVDC Bipolar Line; Rihand (UP) to Dadri (Delhi) 
Ratings: ± 500 kV, 1500 MW, 800 km 
Under Commissioning 
8. HVDC Bipolar line : Baliya (UP) to Bhivadi 
Ratings: ± 500 kV, 2000 MW, ~ 850 km 
9. HVDC Bipolar line: Arunachal Pradesh to Agra (UP) 
Ratings: ± 800 kV, 3500 MW, 2000 km
Synopsis 6 
3. Selection of transmission voltage 
Transmission voltage is selected taking into account the line cost and 
converter cost. With the increase in voltage level, converter cost increases 
gradually on account of increase in voltage rating while the line cost (which 
is a function of many parameters) shows the characteristics as shown in 
figure.2 
Optimum system voltage at which power can be transmitted most 
economically is given by the minimum separation between the two curves. 
That optimum system voltage may or may not be equal to the optimum line 
voltage as shown in figure 3. 
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Synopsis 7 
2. Cost Structure of HVDC 
The cost of an HVDC transmission system depends on many factors, 
such as power capacity to be transmitted, type of transmission medium, 
environmental conditions and other safety, regulatory requirements etc. 
Even when these are available, the options available for optimal design 
(different commutation techniques, variety of filters, transformers etc.) 
render it is difficult to give a cost figure for an HVDC system. 
Nevertheless, a typical cost structure for the converter stations could 
be as follows: 
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Synopsis 8 
HVDC CONNECTION SCHEMES 
1. Monopolar Link 
Monopolar HVDC system has only one conductor, usually of negative 
polarity (pole) and return path is provided by permanent earth or sea. This 
system is used only for low power transmission. Earth electrodes are 
designed for continuous full-current operation and for overload capacity 
required in the specific case. 
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2. Homopolar Link 
Homopolar link has two or more conductors all having the same 
polarity, usually negative; all operates with the ground return. In the event of 
fault on one conductor, the entire converter is available for connection to the 
remaining conductor or conductors, which have some overload capability, 
can carry more than half of the rated, power and perhaps the whole rated 
power, at the expense of increased line losses. 
It has advantage of lower power loss due to corona and smaller radio 
interference due to negative polarity. 
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Synopsis 9 
3. Bipolar Link 
Bipolar link has two conductors, one positive and other negative. 
Each terminal has two converter of equal rated voltage. The neutral point of 
one or both end is grounded. In the event of fault on one conductor, the other 
conductor with ground return can carry up to the half of the rated load. The 
voltage between poles is twice that of pole to earth voltage therefore its 
typical rating can be expressed as 500 kV, 1500 MW. 
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4. HVDC Back-to-Back Coupling Scheme 
HVDC coupling scheme is used for interconnection between 
adjacent AC networks for the purpose of frequency conversion or for 
asynchronous interconnection. 
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Rectifier and inverter are connected to form a DC closed loop. There 
is no DC transmission line and DC smoothing reactor is connected to de
Synopsis 10 
loop. Rectifier and inverter are installed in the same station. The exchange of 
power can be controlled, both in direction and magnitude, without can be 
controlled without transferring frequency disturbances. 
5. Multi-terminal HVDC Scheme 
Multi-terminal HVDC scheme is used for asynchronous 
interconnection of two or more AC network. This scheme offers an effective 
way of large power transfer along with improvement in system stability. 
 
 
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Synopsis 11 
EHV-AC VERSUS HVDC SYSTEM 
1. Technical Considerations 
1.1 Stability of Transmission System 
HVDC gives asynchronous tie and transient stability does not pose 
any limit on power transfer. Line can be loaded up to thermal limit of the 
line or valves. But in AC system to maintain its stability under transient 
condition, it remains in synchronism. 
1.2 Short Circuit Level 
In AC transmission, when an existing AC system is interconnected 
with another AC system, the fault level of both the system increases. 
However, when both are interconnected by DC transmission, the short 
circuit current is not increased so much as for DC line contributes no current 
to an AC short circuit beyond its rated current. 
1.3 Corona Losses and Radio Interference 
For the same power transfer and same distance, the corona losses and 
radio interference of DC system is less than that of AC system, as the 
required dc insulation level is lower then corresponding ac insulation. 
1.4 Line Loading 
The permissible loading of an EHV-AC line is limited by transient 
stability limit and line reactance to almost one third of thermal rating of 
conductors, no such limit exists in case of HVDC lines. 
1.5 Skin Effect 
This is absent in dc current, as current density is uniformly distributed 
across the cross-section of the conductor while the effective resistance in AC 
conductor is increased due to skin effect.
Synopsis 12 
1.6 Surge Impedance Loading 
Long HVAC lines are loaded to less than 0.8 PN (Surge impedance 
loading or natural loading of line). No such condition is imposed on HVDC 
line. 
1.7 Voltage along the line 
Long HVAC line has varying voltage along the line due to absorption 
of reactive power. This line remains loaded below its thermal limit due to 
the transient stability limit. Such problem does not arise in HVDC line and it 
gives almost flat voltage profile. 
1.8 Reactive power requirements 
HVDC line does not need intermediate reactive power compensation 
like in HVAC line but it requires reactive power at converter terminals. The 
required reactive power varies with the transmitted power and is about 60 % 
of the total active power transferred per converter station. Usually shunt 
capacitors or synchronous condenser are installed for supplying reactive 
power. 
1.9 Skin Effect 
This is absent in DC and hence current density is uniformly 
distributed across the cross section of the conductor, this leads to reduced 
heating effect and optimum conductor utilization 
1.10 Rapid power transfer 
The control of converter valves permit rapid changes in magnitude 
and direction of power flow. Limitation is imposed by power generation and 
AC system. For AC line power per phase can be given as 
Pac = {[ | V1 | . | V2 | ] Sin d }/ X Watts / phase
Synopsis 13 
The AC line can be loaded to transient stability limit which occurs at 
d=300 and given by, 
Pac = { | V1 | . | V2 | } / 2 X Watts / phase 
AC power cannot be changed easily, quickly and accurately as V1 and 
V2 should kept around rated and d can not be changed quickly, while power 
flow through DC line can be given as 
PDC = {Vd1 – Vd2}* Vd / R Watts / pole 
By varying Vd1 and Vd2 by means of thyristor converter control and 
tap changer control, PDC can be quickly, accurately and easily controlled. 
Ramping rate (the rate at which magnitude of power transfer can be varied) 
can be as high as 30 MW / minute. 
1.11 Transmission through cables 
DC transmission can be through underground or marine cables since 
charging currents are taken only while energizing the DC link and are not 
present continuously. In AC system, there is limit on length of cable 
depending upon rated voltage. This limit is about 60 km for 145 kV, 40 km 
for 245 kV and 25 km for 400 kV AC line. 
2. Economical Considerations 
2.1 Substation cost 
Substation cost of HVDC is very high owing to costly terminal 
equipments like converter, filters, converter transformer, complex control 
equipments etc, while initial cost of HVDC terminal substation is very low. 
2.2 Number of lines 
HVAC needs at least two-three phase lines and generally more for 
higher power. HVDC needs at maximum, only one bipolar line for majority 
of application.
Synopsis 14 
2.3 No of conductors 
Bipolar HVDC transmission lines require two-pole conductors to 
carry DC power. Hence HVDC transmission becomes economical over ac 
transmission at long distance with the saving in overall conductor cost, 
losses, towers etc. 
2.4 Right of way 
Right of way for DC line is low as compared to that of AC transmission 
system 
2.5 Cost of towers 
More number of conductors require high tower strength to stand with 
the mechanical forces and weight. This increases the cost of AC towers 
while in case of DC tower has to carry only two lines and a compact 
structure is sufficient.
Synopsis 15 
HVDC BACK TO BACK INTERCONNECTION 
1. Significance of HVDC back-to-back interconnection 
Interconnections between grids are desirable because they not only 
permit economies through the sharing of reserves, but they also make the 
trading of electricity between grids possible. Interconnections allow power 
consumers to benefit from generation at the site of lowest incremental cost. 
On the downside, however, disturbances can easily spread from one area to 
another. 
Major blackouts in recent years highlight the vulnerability of large AC 
systems and have shown how relatively minor malfunctions can have 
repercussions over wider areas. As one link overloads it is tripped, 
increasing the strain on neighboring links, which in turn disconnect, 
cascading blackouts over vast areas and causing huge productivity losses for 
the economy. 
HVDC back-to-back coupling scheme play a significant role in 
interconnecting the power systems as it not only allows the precise and 
reliable transfer of power but also prevent the frequency disturbances to 
transfer from one system to another. A HVDC link can fully control 
transmission but does not overload or propagate fault currents. 
2. Overview of Operation 
A back-to-back station is system for power transfer in which both 
static inverters are in the same area, usually even in the same building and 
the length of the direct current line is only a few meters. Figure 10 shows the 
detailed schematic diagram of HVDC back to back coupling scheme, 
main components of any such schemes are as follows:
Synopsis 16 
• Converter 
• Converter transformer 
• Shunt compensators 
• Smoothing reactor 
• AC Filter 
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In an HVDC coupling scheme, electric power is taken from one grid 
(three-phase AC network), converted to DC in a converter station, fed to the 
receiving point (inverter) and then converted back to AC in another 
converter station and injected into the receiving AC network. As the 
conversion process is fully controlled, the transmitted power is not dictated 
by impedances or phase angle difference, as is the case with AC. Earthing is 
only for reference, it does not carry any direct current and there are no 
problems of galvanic corrosion of substation earth and underground pipes, 
structure etc.
Synopsis 17 
HVDC SUBSTATION CONFIGURATION 
At HVDC converter station, conversion from AC to DC (rectification) 
or DC to AC (inversion) is performed. Role of rectifier and inverter can be 
reversed using suitable converter control configuration. 
A point to point transmission requires two converter stations. While In 
a back-to-back station, both rectifier and inverter station are usually installed 
in a single valve room with the converter transformer installed on either side 
of valve room (Hall) and the DC bushings are taken indside the valve hall 
for connection to the valves. 
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Figure 11 shows the typical arrangement of the converter substation. 
One of the main components of a converter substation is the thyristor 
converter, which is usually housed in a valve hall. As seen from figure, the
Synopsis 18 
substation also essentially consists of converter transformers. These 
transformers transform the ac system voltage based on the dc voltage 
required by the converter. The secondary or dc side of the converter 
transformers is connected to the converter bridges. The transformer is placed 
outside the thyristor valve hall, and the connection has to be made through 
the hall wall. This is accomplished in two ways: 1) with phase isolated bus 
bars where the bus conductors are housed within insulated bus ducts with oil 
or SF6 as the insulating medium, or 2) with wall bushings, and these require 
care to avoid external or internal breakdown. 
Filters are required on both ac and dc sides since the converters 
generate harmonics. The filters are tuned based on the converter operation (6 
or 12 pulse). DC reactors are included in each pole of the converter station. 
These reactors assist the dc filters in filtering harmonics and mainly smooth 
the dc side current ensuring continuous mode of operation. Surge arrestors 
are provided across each valve in the converter bridge, across each converter 
bridge, and in the dc and ac switches to protect the equipment from over 
voltages. 
1. Converter Bridge Unit 
This usually consists of two three phase converter bridges connected 
in series to form a 12 pulse converter unit. The total numbers of valve in 
such a unit are twelve. The valves can be packaged as single valve, double 
valve or quadrivalve arrangements. Each valve is used to switch in a 
segment of an AC voltage waveform. The converter is fed by converter 
transformer connected in star/ star and star/delta arrangement.
Synopsis 19 
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The valves are cooled by air, oil, and water. Liquid cooling using 
deionized water is more efficient and results in the reduction of station 
losses. The ratings of valve group are limited by more permissible short 
circuit current than steady state load requirement. The design of valve is 
based on the modular concepts where each module contains a limited 
number of series connected thyristor level. 
Valve firing signals are generated in the converter control at ground 
potential and are transmitted to each thyristor in the valve through a fiber 
optic light guide system. The light signal received at the thyristor level is 
converted to an electrical signal using gate drive amplifier with pulse 
transformer.
Synopsis 20 
2. Converter Transformer 
The HVDC converter transformer is a very important component in a 
HVDC transmission system. 25 –30 % cost of the converter station is 
determined by the cost of converter transformer. In addition to its normal 
application to provide transfer of power between two voltage levels, it serves 
a number of additional functions like galvanic separation between the AC 
and DC systems. A fairly large tapping range permits optimum operation 
also for a large variation in load without loss of efficiency. 
The converter transformer is generally built with two valve windings 
of equal power and voltage ratings. One of the windings is connected in star 
and the other in delta. With this arrangement the dominant harmonics from 
the converter will be cancelled out. Windings, which are directly connected 
to AC system, are termed as line windings while winding connected to the 
converter is called valve windings. 
The HVDC converter transformer can be built as three-phase or as 
single-phase units depending on voltage and power rating. When built as 
three-phase transformer there is generally one unit with the valve winding 
arranged for star connection and the other delta connection. In single-phase 
design the two valve windings are generally built on the same transformer 
unit.
Synopsis 21 
2.1 Winding Connection 
The generation of harmonics is an undesirable feature in the converter 
equipment and in order to minimize these, 12 pulse converter is normally 
used. It is usual to arrange both star and delta connected valve windings 
have a common star connected primary line winding. 
2.2 Insulation Design 
The insulation design of HVDC converter transformer is determine by 
following factors: 
1. The AC voltage distribution and DC bias voltage which is a 
function of dc system voltage experienced by valve winding 
2. The DC voltage experience a voltage polarity reversal when the 
direction of power flow is reversed 
3. The behavior of insulating materials, paper, pressboard and oil, 
differs greatly in its response to DC stress than it does to AC 
stress. 
In the case of a system subjected to a DC stress the distribution is 
determined by material dimension and their resistivity and in case of 
converter transformer, as combination of AC and DC stresses occur in 
practice. 
2.3 Harmonics Consideration 
The harmonics add considerably to the stray losses in the transformer 
windings, core and structural work and due allowances must be made for 
their effect. Reduction is harmonics in line side is achieved by the use of 
connecting filters.
Synopsis 22 
2.4 Commutating Reactance and Short-Circuit Current 
Fault current in the case of converter transformer is likely to contain a 
very much greater DC component than is the case for normal transformer 
and unlike the in the case of fault in the conventional AC circuit fro which 
the DC component decays very rapidly, for converter circuit the high DC 
component will continue until the protection operates. The resulting 
electromagnetic forces can therefore be very significant. These forces can be 
kept within the limits by either higher impedance which result in high 
regulation or, the use of tap changers, which in addition to control of valve 
firing angle to control the power flow will often have up to 50% grater range 
than conventional transformer, so the need to limit the variation of 
impedance with tap position becomes an important consideration in 
determining the winding configuration. 
2.5 Configuration 
THE converter transformer can have different configuration (1) three 
phase, two winding,(2) single phase , three winding (3) single phase two 
winding. The valve side windings are connected in star and delta with 
neutral point ungrounded. On the AC side, the transformers are connected in 
parallel with neutral ground. The leakage reactance of the transformer is 
chosen to limit the short circuit current through any valve. 
In back to back links, which are designed for low DC voltage level, an 
extended delta configuration can result in identical transformer being used in 
twelve pulse converter units. This result in the reduction of the spare 
capacity required.
Synopsis 23 
3. Smoothing Reactors 
The main purpose of a smoothing reactor is to reduce the rate of rise 
of the direct current following disturbances on either side of the converter. 
Thus the peak current during the dc line short circuits and ac commutation 
failure is limited. 
For satisfactory current conversion in thyristor-converters and to 
eliminate pulses from DC current waveform, a large series inductance (L) is 
necessary on DC side. A DC Smoothing reactor (smoothing reactor) is a 
high inductance coil connected in series with the main DC pole circuit 
between Converter Bridge and DC line-pole. Due to high inductance (L) the 
current (Id) stores high energy (e=1/2 L*Id 
2) in the reactor coil. The current 
in an inductance cannot change instantaneously. Hence the fluctuations and 
pulses in the direct current Id are smoothened thus the function of the 
smoothing reactor is to eliminate the pulses and fluctuations in DC current 
waveform, i.e. to smoothen the DC current. 
The reactor blocks the non- harmonic frequencies from being 
transferred between two ac systems, and also reduces the harmonics in the 
dc line. 
4. Filters 
There are three types of filter used in HVDC System 
4.1 AC Filters 
Filters are used to control the harmonics in the network. The filter 
banks compensate the reactive power consumed by the converters at both the 
ends. For example, in CCC (capacitor commutated converter) reactive power 
is compensated by the series capacitors installed between the converter 
transformer and the thyristor valves.
Synopsis 24 
4.2 DC Filters 
The harmonics created by the converter can cause disturbances in 
telecommunication systems, and specially designed dc filters are used in 
order to reduce the disturbances. Generally, filters are not used for 
submarine or underground cable transmission, but used when HVDC has an 
overhead line or if it is part of an interconnecting system. The modern filters 
are active dc filters, and these filters use power electronics for measuring, 
inverting and re-injecting the harmonics, thus providing effective filtering. 
4.3 High frequency filter 
These are connected between the converter transformer and the station 
AC bus to suppress any high frequency current. 
5. Reactive Power Sources 
Converter station requires power supply that is dependent on the 
active power loding. Fortunately, part of this reactive power requirement is 
provided by AC filters. In addition, shunt capacitors, synchronous 
condensers and static VAR system are used depending on the speed of 
control desired. The control of various bus voltage is achieved by supplying 
and absorbing the reactive power requirement of respective bus bars by 
means of series or shunt compensation. Compensation of reactive power 
means supplying/ absorbing reactive volt- amperes. The compensation on 
AC side is provided by the following means: 
• AC filter capacitors 
• AC shunt capacitors 
• Synchronous condensers 
• Static VAr sources ( SVS )
Synopsis 25 
6. Transmission Medium 
Transmission medium is not required in Back to Back configuration 
as it has ideally zero length and practically only few meters. HVDC cables 
are generally used for submarine transmission and overheads lines are used 
for bulk power transmission over the land. The most common types of 
cables are solid and the oil-filled ones. The development of new power cable 
technologies has accelerated in recent years, and the latest HVDC cable 
available is made of extruded polyethylene 
7. DC Switchgear 
This is usually a modified AC equipment used to interrupt small Dc 
current. Dc breaker or metallic return transfer breaker are used, if required 
for interruption of rated load current. 
8. Earth Electrode 
Earth electrode is used for providing the return path for the direct 
current. This is used in case of Bipolar, Monopolar and Homopolar 
configuration but is not required in Back-to-Back system. It is usually 
located 5 – 25 KM away from the station to avoid the galvanic corrosion of 
substation earthing.
Synopsis 26 
UTILITY  APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT 
Utility 
To make the back-to-back coupling system more familiar to people 
Applications 
1. As an asynchronous tie between two regional grid for precise and 
reliable power transfer. 
2. For interconnecting the two or more systems operating at different 
frequencies. 
3. In some cases it may be for transferring the energy generated by 
windfarms to the backbone network 
FUTURE WORK TO BE DONE IN THE PROJECT 
¾Detailed study and analysis of converter 
¾Analysis of control schemes adopted in converter station. 
¾Study of reactive power requirement in converter operation and 
compensation schemes adopted. 
¾Study of protection schemes in HVDC 
¾Study of Valve halls and switchyard 
¾Case study of Vindhyachal HVDC back-to-back interconnection 
between northern and western grid.
Synopsis 27 
CONCLUSION 
In the present scenario of energy crisis it becomes very 
important to effectively utilize the available energy. In a way to achieve 
this, HVDC back to back Interconnection play very important role in 
connecting the power systems by providing the asynchronous tie and 
enabling the precise exchange of power along with consolidation to the 
stability of the existing AC network. 
. 
In HVDC Back-to-Back coupling, the great advantage of 
avoiding synchronization between AC power systems  to grid helps in 
power transfer smoothly. Our study on the subject should reveal new 
facts, which will be helpful in power system stability analysis. 
With a lot of advantages over conventional (AC) connection 
schemes, due to very high cost consideration of equipments required 
and complexity of operation, the realization of scheme is restricted to 
few places in our country and is scarcely used in other countries except 
the developed countries except the developed countries.
Introduction 
INTRODUCTION 
While the very first practical applications of electricity were based on 
direct current, this technology was quickly replaced by three-phase 
alternating current because of various advantages. Still, in spite of the 
principal use of alternating current in power systems, there are some 
applications for which direct current is the better not only from the point of 
view of technical performance but, even taking into account the economic 
consideration. 
With today’s power systems being operated closer to their stability 
limits, and particularly in view of the vulnerability of AC system to faults, 
there is an increasing need to understand how the HVDC technology can 
play in important role in improving the dynamic performance of the existing 
AC network. The thesis is organized as follows: 
First of all the thesis gives, a brief overview of HVDC technology, 
various transmissions schemes and presents a technical comparison with the 
existing AC system. This also gives some introduction to HVDC Back-to- 
Back interconnection and typical substation configuration and shows the 
significance of the project from the utility and application point of view. 
Secondly, it reviews with the basic converter elements i.e thyristor valve 
followed by the analysis of converter and concludes with the equivalent 
electrical model of a HVDC scheme. 
With the various control strategies adopted for the efficient power 
transmission It also cites the necessity of reactive power requirement and
Introduction 29 
various compensation techniques. The next chapter presents the harmonics 
generation phenomenon in converter operations, their effects and 
introduction to AC and DC filters for elimination of those harmonics. Also 
brief study of faults during converter operation and protection schemes is 
carried out 
Case-study of Vindhyachal HVDC Back-to-Back station demonstrates 
the practical implementation of the so far theoretically known operation and 
control of link. And finally a conclusion has been drawn citing the 
significance of the technology for the existing AC system presenting the 
back to back interconnection as a solution to many challenging situation.
Converter Analysis 
Chapter 1 
CONVERTER ANALYSIS 
1.1 THYRISTOR VALVE 
1.1.1 General 
A thyristor Valve is made up of number of devices connected in series 
to provide the required voltage rating and also of devices connected in 
parallel to provide the required current rating. Device ratings, transient 
overvoltages and protection philosophy determine number of series and 
parallel-connected thyristor. 
The valves are usually placed indoor in a valve hall for the protection 
purpose and are base mounted in single, double or quadric-valve 
configuration. These are usually air insulated and cooled using air, water, oil 
or Freon. The water flowing in ducts cools heat sinks and damping resistor. 
1.1.2 Valve design consideration 
The valve design must consider the voltage and current stresses that 
occur during normal and abnormal operating conditions such as over voltage 
(which may occur due to switching action or as a result of external cause) or 
over current, which may arise from short circuit across a valve or a converter 
bridge. 
The losses in a valve includes 
i. The losses during on-state and switching losses 
ii. Damper and grading circuit losses 
iii. Losses due to auxiliary power requirement of cooling
Converter Analysis 31 
The reduction in short circuit ratio (SCR) tends to reduce the maximum 
value of fault current in a valve. The low SCR can also result in non-sinusoidal 
voltage at the converter bus, which can give rise to commutation 
failures. 
The valve can be subjected to high stress commutation resulting from high 
di/dt the discontinuous conduction can also result in high over voltages 
across a valve. The control of electrostatic and electromagnetic fields 
surrounding a valve is essential to avoid corona discharge and interference 
with sensitive electronic circuits. 
1.1.3 Valve firing 
The basic valve-firing scheme is shown in Fig.1.1. The valve control 
generates the firing signals. Each thyristor lever receives the signal directly 
from a separate fiber-optic cable making each thyristor level independent. 
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Converter Analysis 32 
The valve control unit also indicates many monitoring and protective 
function. The return pulse system coupled with short pulse firing scheme is 
used in present day valve control unit. A separate light guide is used to send 
a return pulse whenever the voltage across a thyristor is sufficient and the 
power supply unit is charged. If at that time, firing pulses are demanded 
from the valve control, the light signals are sent to all the thyristor control 
units simultaneously. 
During normal operation, one set of the light pulses are generated in a 
cycle for each valve. However, during operation at low direct current, many 
light pulses are generated due to discontinuous current. 
1.1.4 Recent Trends 
The recent developments are expected to improve reliability and 
reduce the cost of HVDC valves. These are mainly: 
• Development in high power semiconductor devices these include 
direct light triggered thyristor and metal oxide semiconductor 
controlled thyristor. 
• Better cooling techniques such as forced vaporization as a means of 
reducing thermal resistance between the heat sink and the ambient. 
• Suspension of quadri- valve assembly from ceiling to withstand 
seismic forces. 
1.2 CHOICE OF CONVERTER CONFIGURATION 
The configuration for a given pulse number is selected in such a way 
that both the valve and transformer utilization are maximized. The basic 
commutation group defines a converter configuration and the number of 
such groups connected in series and parallel.
Converter Analysis 33 
 
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If there are ‘q’ valves is a basic commutation group and r of these are 
connected in parallel and s of them are connected in series, then 
p = q*r*s …………1.1 
1.2.1 Valve Rating 
The valve voltage is specified in terms of peak inverse voltage (PIV) 
it has to withstand, The ration of PIV to the average DC voltage is an index 
of valve utilization. The average maximum DC voltage across the converter 
is given by 
Vd0 = VTŒ(PVLQŒT) …………1.2
Converter Analysis 34 
The peak inverse voltage (PIV) across a valve can be obtained as 
follows: 
The valve utilization factor is given by 
PIV / Vd0 = 2ŒVTVLQŒT
@ (for q even) 
= ŒVTVLQŒT
@ (for q odd) 
For a six-pulse Graetz circuit, valve utilization factor comes out to be 
1.047, which is one of the min. VUF obtained for various combinations. 
1.2.2 Transformer Rating 
The current rating of a valve is given by 
IV = ID /[r ¥T@ 
Where, ID is the DC current assumed to be constant. The transformer rating 
on the valve side (in volt ampere) is given by 
STV = p EM IV / ¥ 
The transformer utilization factor (STV/ Vd0 ID) for q = 3 is obtained as 
1.481, while for Graetz circuit it is equal to 1.047. Thus it is clear from the 
above discussion that both from valve and transformer utilization 
consideration, Graetz circuit is best circuit for six pulse converter. 
1.3 ANALYSIS OF GRAETS CIRCUIT 
1.3.1 General 
Converters used in HVDC system are of various types six pulse, twelve 
pulse etc, here we are considering a six-pulse converter, whose circuit 
diagram is shown in the figure 1.3 with the notation adopted. Following 
assumptions are made regarding the voltage source, current nature, 
frequency etc to simplify the analysis:
Converter Analysis 35 
Assumption 
1. Power source (or sink) consisting of balanced sinusoidal EMFs of 
constant voltage and frequency in series with equal lossless 
inductances. 
2. Constant ripple free direct current 
3. Valves with no forward resistance and infinite inverse resistance 
4. Ignition of valve at equal interval of one-sixth cycle (600) 
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The instantaneous line-to-neutral EMFs are taken as: 
……… 1.3
Converter Analysis 36 
Corresponding line-to-line emfs are 
………1.4 
1.3 ANALYSIS WITHOUT OVERLAP 
At any instant, two valves are conducting in the bridge, one from the 
upper commutation group and second from the lower commutation group. 
The firing of the next valve in a particular group results in the turning off the 
valve that is already conducting. 
One period of AC supply voltage has six intervals corresponding to 
conduction of pair of valves. 
)LJXUH%ULGJHRQYHUWHUZLWK9DOYHVDQGRQGXFWLQJ 
Fig 1.4 shows the typical waveforms of the converter if the ac 
inductance LC is neglected. In the top graph the ac line-to-neutral voltages 
are drawn in thin lines and, in heavy lines, the potentials of the positive and 
negative dc terminals with respect to ac neutral. The middle graph shows the 
ac line-to-line voltages and, in a heavy line, the instantaneous direct voltage 
VD (or Ud). The bottom graph shows the constant dc current and, in a heavy 
line, the ac line current Ia.
Converter Analysis 37 
At any given instant, one valve of the upper commutation group and 
one of the lower rows are conducting. Therefore, the instantaneous direct 
voltage at any time equals one of the six line-to-line voltages. The instant at 
which the direct voltage changes to another line-to-line voltage is controlled 
via the firing angle ‘.¶ 
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Average direct voltage Vd (or Ud) 
It is assumed that the valves are fired at equal intervals. Hence, Ud 
consists of six identical segments of 600 width each, and so the average 
direct voltage can be found by averaging the direct voltage over any 600 
interval. LCC models average direct voltage is given by
Converter Analysis 38 
……………1.5 
Where 
……………1.6 
is the so called ideal no-load direct voltage. 
DC voltage harmonics 
The dc voltage waveform contains a ripple whose fundamental 
frequency is six times the supply frequency. This can be analyzed in Fourier 
series and contains harmonics of the order 
h = np 
Where, 
p is the number of pulse and n is integer.
Converter Analysis 39 
The rms value of hth order harmonic in DC voltage is given by 
Vh = Vd0 * ¥K2 – 1) Sin2 .@1/2 / [h2 – 1] ………………1.7 
$OWKRXJK.FDQYDUIURP-1800 , the full range cannot be utilized. In 
order to ensure the firing of all the series connected thyristors, it is necessary 
to provide a minimum limit of .greater than zero. Also in order to allow for 
the turn-off time of a valve, it is necessary to provide an upper limit less than 
1800. The delay angle .is not allowed to go beyond (1800 - ) where is 
called the extinction angle (also called margin angle). The minimum value 
of extinction angle is typically 100, although in normal operation as an 
inverter, it is not allowed to go below 150 or 180. 
AC current waveform 
As it is assumed that the direct current has no ripple (or harmonics). 
The AC currents flowing through the valve (secondary) and primary 
windings of the converter transformer contains harmonics. 
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The waveform of the current in a valve winding is shown in fig.1.6 
The rms value of the fundamental component of the current is given by 
I1 = ¥Œ
,D …………1.8 
Whereas the rms value of the current is 
I = ¥
,D … ………1.9
Converter Analysis 40 
The Power Factor 
The AC power supplied to the converter is given by 
PAC = ¥(LL I1FRV3 ¥(LL * (¥Œ)* IDFRV3«««« 
Where, 
FRV3 the power factor of ac side 
ELL line to line voltage on AC side 
I1 rms value of fundamental component 
ID value of direct current on DC side 
The DC power fed must match the AC power ignoring the losses in 
the converter. Thus, ignoring losses we get 
PDC = VD*ID = 3¥(LL*I1 cos .Œ ………... 1.11 
Where, 
VD value of direct voltage on DC side 
Equating the above two equations we get 
FRV3 FRV. …………1.12 
From the above equation it is clear that the reactive power 
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recommended to operate the rectifier at low firing angle with suitable safety 
margin. 
1.3.3 ANALYSIS WITH OVERLAP 
1.3.3.1 General concept of overlap 
Because of the AC source inductance and converter transformer 
leakage reactance, transfer of current from one phase to another can’t be 
instantaneous but requires finite time called commutation time or overlap 
time  where  is the overlap angle. In normal operation it is less than 600: 
typical full load values are 20 - 250.
Converter Analysis 41 
With the increase in overlap angle, number of conducting valves at a given 
time increases. 
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Each interval of the period can be defined by two subintervals. In the 
first subintervals two valves are conducting and in the second subintervals, 
three valves are conducting. As the overlap increases to 600, there is no 
instant when only two valves are conducting. As the overlap angle increases 
beyond 600, there is a finite period during an interval when four valves 
conduct and the rest of the interval during which three valve conduct. Thus 
there are three modes of the converter as follows: 
1. Mode 1 – Two and three valve conduction (  600) 
2. Mode 2 – Three valve conduction ( = 600) 
3. Mode 3 – Three and four valve conduction (  600) 
For the simplicity of analysis, we will discuss here only Mode-1 of 
operation, which is most usually encountered during the operation. 
ANALYSIS WITH OVERLAP LESS THAN 600 
Since a new commutation begins every 600 and lasts for angle the 
angular interval when two valve conducts is 600 –  The sequence of 
conducting valve is 12, 123, 23, 234, 34, 345, 45, 456, 56, 561, 61, 612 and 
so on.
Converter Analysis 42 
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Consider the situation when valve 1 and 2 were conducting initially. 
At W ., when valve 3 is ignited, the effective circuit is as shown in 
fig.1.10 with valve 1, 2 and conducting.
Converter Analysis 43 
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During this interval direct current is transferred from valve 1 to valve 3. 
Hence, at beginning (W .
i1 or ia = ID and i3 or ib = 0 …………1.13 
At end (W . /): 
i1 = 0 and i3 = ID …………1.14 
1.3.3.2 Average Direct Current 
The mesh equation for the loop N31N can be given as 
The emf in this loop known as commutating EMF, which is 
ea – eb = ¥(PVLQW …………1.15 
The sum of ia and ib during commutation equals direct current 
and equation 1.15 becomes 
¥(PVLQW /C dib / dt = 2LC di3 / dt
Converter Analysis 44 
Integration during commutation period (from W . to W /) gives 
And finally inserting the boundary conditions in the LHS of the above 
equation, we get 
Id = ¥/CFRV.–FRV/
…………1.16 
Equation 1.14 shows that i3, the current in the incoming valve during 
commutation, consists of a constant (dc) term and a sinusoidal term which 
lags the commutation voltage by 900. And has a crest value which is that of 
the current in a line-to-line short circuit on the AC source. 
From this equation the extinction angle d (and ultimately the overlap 
angle ) can easily be determined for a given firing angle .. It also allows 
the calculation of the ideal maximum firing angle .MAX for which the 
commutation will succeed in a converter with ideal valves. Since 
For any angle / 
And 
………… 1.17
Converter Analysis 45 
1.3.3.3 Average Direct Voltage 
During commutation the two impedances in the commutation loop act 
as a voltage divider that sets the potential of the positive converter terminal 
to the average of the two line voltages. It is only after the commutation that 
the terminal potential recovers to the voltage of the on-going phase. 
The consequence is that an area Aμ as shown in Fig. decreases the 
voltage/angle-area A derived in Eq. 1.17. This results in a voltage drop ¨Ud 
of the average direct voltage, 
…………1.18 
…………1.19 
Comparison of equation 3.17 and 3.20 shows that voltage drop is 
directly proportional to the DC current 
¨8d  Œ
/C ID …………1.20 
The total average direct voltage is thus given by 
= Udi0 cos.– RC Id ………... 1.21
Converter Analysis 46 
Where, 
RC Œ
/C 
‘RC’ is called the equivalent commutation resistance. It accounts for 
the voltage drop due to commutation. However, it is not a real ohmic 
resistance and thus consumes no active power. 
With Eq 1.21 the average direct voltage could also be written as 
= Udi0
FRV.FRV/
…………1.22 
1.3.3.4 Equivalent circuit of rectifier 
From the equation 1.22, equivalent circuit of the rectifier can be 
drawn as 
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1.3.3.5 DC voltage waveforms 
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Converter Analysis 47 
Figure 1.11 shows the waveforms of the voltage across the converter 
bridge VD. The valve voltage (not shown in figure) has various jumps that 
occur at the firing and the turning off of the valve. This voltage jumps results 
in extra losses in the damper circuit. 
1.3.3.6 AC Current Magnitude and Phase 
Approximate analysis: 
Due to the overlap the ac currents are no longer rectangular blocks. 
Instead, their shape is that of a deformed trapezoidal Still, Eq.3.24 is a good 
approximation for the fundamental frequency component of the ac current: 
I1 = 2¥Œ
,d ……… ... 1.23 
By assumption, the converter is lossless and therefore the ac active 
power must equal the dc power: 
3/2 Em I1FRV3§8di0 Id
FRV.FRV/
««« 
Where,3 denotes the angle by which fundamental component of the 
line current lags the applied voltage. On simplification, equation 1.24 gives, 
FRV3 §FRV.FRV/
……… ...1.25 
another expression for the power factor FRV3can be given as 
FRV3 §8d / Udi0 
§FRV.– Rc Id / Udio ………...1.26 
shows that with increasing load the power factor decreases and 
accordingly the phase shift between the fundamental ac current and the ac 
voltage increases. 
Reactive power on the AC side may be found from 
4 3DWDQ3 ………...1.27 
Where, Eq.1.26 or 1.27 gives3. Of course, there is no reactive power on the 
DC side.
Converter Analysis 48 
1.3.4 Inversion 
1.3.4.1 General 
Because the valves conduct in only one direction, the current in a 
converter cannot be reversed, and power reversal is obtained only by the 
reversal of average direct voltage VD. The voltage then opposes the current 
is called counter voltage. 
Ideally the inversion occurs in the region 900  .  0, but in 
practical case, there is always some overlap and the vaOXHRI.DWZKLFK 
inversion begins is given as: 
. Œ–/ Œ-@ …………1.28 
Which is always less than 900. 
Moreover, /ought to be less than Œby at least an angle corresponding 
to the time required for the de-ionization of the arc, which is 1 – 80. 
Synchronous machines connected to AC side furnish the commutation 
voltage for the HVDC inverter. If the AC system receiving power from DC 
link has no generators, a synchronous condenser is used. 
Notations for Ignition and Extinction Angle 
In inverter theory, commoner practice is to define LJQLWLRQDQJOH 
and H[WLQFWLRQDQJOH by their advance with respect to the instant when the 
commutation voltage is zero and decreasing. Referring to figure 1.12 this 
parameters can be described.
Converter Analysis 49 
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The relations among the several inverter angles are as follows: 
 Œ– . ………..1.29(a) 
 Œ–/ ………..1.29(b) 
 /– . – ………..1.29(c) 
1.3.4.2 Equivalent Circuit 
Equations for Average Direct Current and Voltage 
General equations 1.16 and 1.17can be changed to inverter equations 
by changing the sign of VD and putting 
FRV. –FRV and FRV/ –FRV, 
with these results 
ID = IS2FRV-FRV
…………1.30 
VD = VD0 [cos .FRV@ …………1.31 
For constant ignition advance angle , equation 1.31 becomes 
VD = VD0FRV5C ID 
Because the inverters are commonly controlled so as to operate at 
constant current advanced angle  it is useful to have relations between ID 
and VD for this condition. 
VD = VD0FRV– RC ID
Converter Analysis 50 
Under this condition, the equivalent commutation resistance is – RC 
and is negative. This is the reason why inverter is said to posses a negative 
commutation resistance. The equivalent circuit of the inverter is shown in 
the figure 1.14 
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Converter Analysis 51 
1.4 STEADY STATE EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT 
From the ongoing discussion, equivalent circuit of the for the steady 
state operation of two terminal DC link can be drawn as shown in fig 1.15. 
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The effect of leakage reactance in producing drop of direct voltage is 
accounted for by the equivalent commutating resistance and subscripts ‘r’ 
and ‘i’ signifying rectifier and inverter.
HVDC Control 
Chapter 2 
HVDC CONTROL 
2.1 INTRODUCTION 
A well known technical advantage of HVDC is it s inherent ability for 
control of transmitted power. The voltage across valve-bridge can be 
changed nearly instantaneously. The speed of response of the control is 
limited only by the maximum voltage available, the dynamics of the DC side 
circuit and the sped of change of power which the connected AC networks 
can stand 
The fact that the reactive power consumed by the HVCD converter is 
dependent on the values of the control angles means also that reactive power 
of the converter station and the AC network can be controlled and the AC 
voltage can be stabilized. 
This chapter covers the control fundamentals for the HVDC converter. 
Starting with the general discussion of control characteristics of the 
converter, the report deals with the different stages in control hierarchy. 
2.2 PRINCIPLE OF DC LINK CONTROL 
By incorporating the equivalent circuit of the converter shown in 
figure 1.15, the direct current ID in the DC line can be given as 
……………2.1 
From the above equation it is clear that 
ID µ Voltage drop 
µ 1 / (total resistance)
HVDC Control 53 
Direct voltage and thus current ID can be controlled by control of 
internal voltage which then can be controlled by 
1. Grid Controlling 
Grid control, delaying the ignition angle . (time .), reduces the 
internal voltage from the ideal no-load voltage VD0 by the factor FRV.. 
2. Control of alternating voltage 
The alternating voltage is usually controlled be tap changing on the 
converter transformer. 
Grid control is rapid (1 to 10 ms), but tap changing is slow (5 to 6 
seconds per step). Both these means of voltage control are applied 
cooperatively at each terminal. Grid control is used initially for rapid action 
and is followed by tap changing for restoring certain quantities (ignition 
angle in the rectifier or voltage in the inverter) to their normal values. 
2.2.1 Desired features of control 
The following features are desirable: 
• Limitation of the maximum current so as to avoid damage to 
valves and other current carrying devices. 
• Limitation of the fluctuation of current due to the fluctuation of 
alternating voltage. 
• Keeping the power factor as high as possible. 
• Prevention of commutation failures of the inverter. 
• Prevention of arc back of the rectifier valves. 
• In multi-anode valves, providing a sufficient anode voltage before 
ignition occurs. 
• Controlling the power delivered or the frequency at one end. 
• Provided better voltage regulation.
HVDC Control 54 
There are four reasons for keeping the power factor high, two 
concerning the convertor itself and the other two concerning the ac system to 
which it is connected. The first reason is to keep the rated power of the 
converter as high as possible for given current and voltage rating of valves 
and transformer. The second reason is to reduce the stresses on the valves 
and damping circuits. The third reason is to minimize the required current 
rating and copper losses in the ac lines to the converter. The fourth reason is 
to minimize voltage drops at the ac terminal of the converter as its loading 
increases. The last two reasons apply to any large ac loads. 
The p.f. can be raised by adding shunt capacitor, if this is done , the 
disadvantages becomes the cost of the capacitors and switching them as the 
load on the converter varies. The p.f. of the converter itself is 
FRV3 §FRV.FRV.
…………2.2 
for rectifier and 
FRV3 §FRVFRV
…………2.3 
for an inverter. 
In a rectifier, we can make .= 0 for which FRV. = 1. In an inverter it 
is more difficult. In order to avoid a commutation failure, commutation must 
be completed before the commutating voltage reverses at  , hence y 
must be greater than zero by some margin. Because of some inaccuracy in 
the computation of  and a possibility of changes indirect current and 
alternating voltage even after commutation has began, sufficient 
commutation margin above the minimum angle required for de-ionization of 
the mercury arc must be allowed. The easy and safe way would be to choose 
a larger value of . This way lowers the power factor and raises the stresses 
on the valves.
HVDC Control 55 
2.3 V-I CHARACTERISTICS OF HVDC CONVERTERS 
2.3.1 Individual characteristics of Rectifier and Inverter 
These are plotted in rectangular coordinates of direct current Id and 
direct voltage Vd. If the rectifier be equipped with constant-current regulator, 
ideal characteristics will be a vertical line AB, but in practice it has a high 
negative slope which can be shifted horizontally by adjusting current 
command. 
If the inverter be equipped with C.E.A. regulator, then inverter 
characteristics is a line with slightly negative slope (under the assumption 
that commutating resistance RC2 is somewhat higher than line resistance RL) 
given by 
VD = VD02FRV5l – RC2) * ID …………2.4 
Operating point of the system is the point of intersection of rectifier 
and inverter characteristics. 
It may be said with fair accuracy that rectifier direct current and 
inverter controls direct voltage. But control of one parameter at one end 
affects both the current and voltage settings due to non ideal characteristics.
HVDC Control 56 
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KDUDFWHULVWLFVRIRQWURO6FKHPH 
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HVDC Control 57 
If the inverter voltage changes, rectifier voltage must be change by 
equal amount in order to keep current constant which can be done quickly by 
current regulator till . Rectifier voltage can be increased further only by 
taps on the rectifier transformer. 
2.3.2 Combined Characteristics of Rectifier and Inverter 
In many dc transmission links each converter must function 
sometimes as a rectifier and other times as an inverter therefore each 
converter is given a combined characteristics consisting of three linear 
portions: C.I.A., C.C. and C.E.A. 
)LJXUHRQYHUWHUFRQWUROOHUFKDUDFWHULVWLFV
HVDC Control 58 
With the characteristics shown by solid lines, power is transmitted 
from converter-1 to converter-2 and with the characteristics shown by 
broken lines, direction of transmission is reversed by reversal of direct 
voltage with direction of current being the same. 
Usually the current setting of constant current characteristics of the 
two converter are separated by û,d called current margin to account to 
maintain positive margin in spite of errors in the current measurement and 
regulation as the operation of the two steep CC characteristics, with both 
current regulators would be highly unstable. 
There can be three modes of operation of the link (for the same 
direction of power flow) depending on the point of intersection of the two 
characteristics. 
1. CC at rectifier and CEA at the inverter (normal mode of operation) 
2. With the slight dip in the AC voltage, the point of intersection drift 
which implies minimum .at rectifier and minimum  at inverter. 
3. With the lower AC voltage at the rectifier, the mode of operation 
again shifts which implies CC at the inverter with minimum . at the 
rectifier. 
2.4 BASIC CONTROL SYSTEM 
As the current order to the inverter is lower by the current margin that 
in the rectifier, current delivered by the rectifier is higher than demanded by 
the inverter, latter tries to counteract that by increasing and the counter emf 
VHWXSDJDLQVWWKHUHFWLILHUDQGLQYHUWHU.WHQGVWRUHDFKLWVmaximum value 
determined by the minimum commutation margin and the CFC will operate 
in another mode, the commutation margin control (CMC).
HVDC Control 59 
)LJXUH%DVLFFRQWURORI+9'FRQYHUWHU 
The next step in our study of the control of a converter is to examine in 
more detail how each of the three straight-line segments of the combined 
characteristics can be obtained 
1. Constant minimum ignition angle 
2. Constant current characteristics 
3. Constant extinction angle 
2.4.1 Firing Angle Control 
The objective of convertor firing control (CFC) system is to generate 
control pulses to all valves within the convertor in correct phase position and 
inside the interval. = .MIN to . = . MAX., The latter being determined by a 
minimum commutation margin limit. The output form the CFC is issued to a 
control pulse generator (CPG), which forms individual gate control pulse 
signals for all the valves within the convertor.
HVDC Control 60 
Types of firing control systems 
The firing angle control systems can be broadly referred into two categories: 
• Individual Phase Control 
In this, phase positions of gate control signals are determined 
VHSDUDWHOIRUHDFKYDOYHDQG.RUZLOOEHHTXDOHYHQLIWKH$ 
network is unbalanced. 
This scheme generates higher amount of harmonics. 
• Equidistance Pulse Control 
.-order in current control can be turned into a gate pulse signal in 
correct phase position by using a phase-controlled oscillator. Firing 
pulses are generated in steady state at equal interval of 1/pf through a 
ring counter. This removes the risk of harmonics. This is the control 
principle used in all modern HVDC systems. 
2.4.2 Constant Minimum Ignition Angle Control 
Normally rectifier is operated at ‘Constant minimum ignition angle’ 
to minimize the reactive power requirement as it varies in direct proportion 
to ignition angle at rectifier side. To maintain a minimum delay angle say .0 
following method is used. 
Voltage across each valve is measured, if it is found less than a pre-specified 
voltage say ¥9M Sin .0 the constant current control is prevented 
form igniting the valve. In practice, secondary voltage of control transformer 
is used rather than the voltage across the valve by any suitable arrangement. 
2.4.3 Constant Current Control 
Under normal operation system is made to operate at constant current 
control setting of the rectifier end. In this mode short-circuit current are 
ideally limited to the value of the load current and in practice to about twice 
rated current
HVDC Control 61 
Constant-current control involves the following: 
1. Measurement of direct current. 
2. Comparison of direct current Id with the set (or reference) value IdS. 
3. Amplification of difference IdS 
- Id called error. 
4. Application of output signal of the amplifier to a phase-shift circuit 
that alters the ignition angle . in proper direction for reducing error. 
)LJXUH6FKHPDWLFGLDJUDPRIFRQVWDQWFXUUHQWUHJXODWRU 
If the measured current in a rectifier is less than the set current, .must 
be decreased in order to increase FRV. and thus raise the internal voltages of 
the rectifier VDO FRV . The difference between the internal voltages of 
rectifier and the inverter is thereby increased, and the direct current is 
increased proportionally. A decrease in . increases the algebraic internal 
voltage VDO FRV.This means that a same constant current controller can be 
used on a given converter without change of connections during both 
rectification and inversion. 
In practice, however, the same current setting is transmitted to both 
terminals of a DC line, and the current margin is subtracted from the current 
setting of the inverter; that is, the error signal for the inverter’s current 
regulator is 
0 = IDS – ¨,D – ID
HVDC Control 62 
The current regulator is a simple kind of feedback amplifier 
characterized by gain and time constant. Its differential equation is 
…………2.5 
Where, 
V = instantaneous voltage 
T = R2C = time constant 
K = gain of amplifier and phase shift circuit 
0 (UURUVLJQDO 
2.4.4 Constant Extinction-Angle Control 
Each inverter must be ignited at such a time that extinction occurs at a 
later time, which, how ever must be earlier by an adequate margin than the 
time when commutation voltage reverses. The easy and safe way is to 
FKRRVHDODUJHYDOXHRI7KLVZDKRZHYHUORZHUVWKHSRZHUIDFWRUDQG 
rises the stresses on the valve. The better way is to compute the firing angle 
UHTXLUHGWRREWDLQDFRQVWDQWH[WLQFWLRQDQJOH7KLVFDOFXODWLRQLVGRQH 
using a analog computer obtaining input from the AC side of inverter and 
current in the DC link. 
2.5 MASTER CONTROL 
Master control generates the current order to be issued to the current 
control systems of both converter stations, from instance the power order set 
by the operator, and it includes control functions for modulation of the 
transmitted power when the HVDC link is used for stabilization of 
connected AC network. 
2.6 HIGHER LEVEL CONTROLLERS 
The HVDC transmission can be used for stabilization of AC system 
by modulating the power flow in accordance with the variations in some AC
HVDC Control 63 
system quantities, usually frequency. The link can also be used to directly 
control the frequency of an AC network connected to one of the substation. 
2.7 SYSTEM CONTROL HIRARCHY 
The control functions required for the HVDC link are performed using 
the hierarchical control structure shown in Fig. 2.5. The master controller for 
a bipole is located at one of the terminals and is provided with the power 
order (PREF) from the system controller (from energy control center). It also 
has other information such as AC voltage at the converter bus, DC voltage, 
etc. the master controller transmit the current order (IREF) to the pole control 
units, which in turn provide a firing angle order to the individual valve 
groups (converters). The valve group or converter control also oversees 
valve monitoring and firing logic through the optical interface; it also 
includes bypass pair selection logic, commutation failure protection, tap 
changer control, converter start/stop sequences, margin switching and valve 
protection circuits. 
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HVDC Control 64 
2.8 REACTIVE POWER CONTROL 
2.8.1 Introduction 
The converter in HVDC stations are line commutated, which implies 
that the current initiation in the valve can only be delayed with reference to 
the zero crossing of the converter bus AC voltage. This result in lagging 
power factor operation of the converters, requiring reactive power sources 
connected at the converter bus for better voltage control. Figure 2.6 shows 
the typical phase displacement of the line side current waveform phase with 
that of AC voltage with the firing angle as a parameter. 
)LJXUH5HODWLRQEHWZHHQLJQLWLRQGHODDQGSKDVHGLVSODFHPHQW
HVDC Control 65 
Figure 2.6 illustrates that fundamental line current lags the line to 
neutral source by an angle equal to its firing angle. Hence it is advised to 
keep the ignition angle low. Statistical data shows that at each converter 
station, reactive power requirement is around 60% of the active power 
transferred. 
2.8.2 Reactive Power Requirement in Steady State 
2.8.2.1 Conventional Control Strategies 
Under normal operation, a DC link is operated with current control at 
the rectifier side and minimum extinction angle control at the inverter. This 
method of control leads to minimum reactive power requirement at both 
ends. 
The equation for the reactive power as a function of the active power 
is conveniently expressed in terms of per unit quantities. Average bridge 
voltage across the converter bridge is given by 
VD = 9FRV.– RC*ID (for rectifier) …………2.6(a) 
VD = 9FRV– RC*ID (for inverter) …………2.6(b) 
Where, 
VD = voltage on DC side (in per unit value) 
ID = current on DC side (in per unit value) 
The power factor is given by 
RV3 §VD / 9
FRV. – (RC*ID/V) …………2.7 
The power and reactive power in per unit are given by the following 
equations: 
PD = V*IDFRV3 …………2.8(a) 
QD = V*IDVLQ3 …………2.8(b) 
Also, the power factor of the converter can be given by equation 
FRV3  FRV.FRV.
@ ...………2.9
HVDC Control 66 
Thus, from the above equations, variation of reactive power demand 
with the active power demand as a function of firing angle can be shown as 
in figure 2.7 
)LJXUH9DULDWLRQRI4'ZLWK3' 
From the figure, it is clear that 
• Under normal operation (.”0), reactive power at any station is 
around 0.6 times the rated active power. 
• Increase in firing angle .leads to sharp increase in reactive power 
demand with the increase in active power supplied, hence it is 
recommended to maintain low firing angles in steady state. 
However, too low values of .can result increased frequency of mode 
shifts and too low values of  can result in increased incidence of the 
commutation failure. 
The reactive power is also affected by the magnitude of AC voltage. 
The reduction in V leads to increase in QD, however on-load tap changer can 
control V within limits.
HVDC Control 67 
2.8.2.2 Alternate Control Strategies 
The region of operation of a converter bridge is bounded by the limits 
on the DC current and firing angle. Neglecting minimum current limit, the 
operating region of a bridge in PD – QD plane is shown in fig. 2.8 
)LJXUH2SHUDWLQJUHJLRQRIDEULGJHLQ3'4'SODQH 
Which is drawn for a constant (rated) AC voltage. This region is 
bounded by three regions: 
i. minimum . characteristics 
ii. minimum  characteristics 
iii. constant rated DC current 
In general the locus for a constant DC current in part of a circle in the 
3'4'  plane and the constant DC voltage characteristic is a straight line 
passing through the origin. 
The operation at constant DC voltage implies constant power factor 
characteristics at the converter bus. At the rectifier, the characteristic is that 
of a load with lagging power factor, while at the inverter, this can be viewed 
as a generator with leading power factor operation.
HVDC Control 68 
)LJXUH6LPSOLILHGVVWHPGLDJUDPD
UHFWLILHUE
LQYHUWHU 
This is shown from the analysis of a simplified system shown if 
Figure 4.10 In Fig 2.9 (a), the rectifier is shown as a constant (lagging) 
power factor load while Fig. 2.9 (b) is applicable to the inverter operation. 
The phasor diagram for both the cases are shown in Fig 2.10. 
)LJXUH3KDVRUGLDJUDPD
UHFWLILHUE
LQYHUWHU 
It can be shown by the phasor diagram that 
9 (FRV/3
FRV3 …………2.10 
Where, 3 is the power factor angle. 
The power expression is given by 
P = VEBVLQ/ …………2.11 
Substituting Eq. 2.10 into Eq. 2.11, we get 
P = E2%FRV/3
VLQ/FRV3 …………2.12 
From the above equation, it can be shown that maximum power transfer is 
obtained when, 
/ –3
HVDC Control 69 
The maximum power (for 3 0) is given by 
Pmax = 0.2887 E2 B …………2.13 
This is much less than what can be obtained in the case with 3 -30 or V = E. 
To modify the power rating, the provision of a shunt capacitor (having 
succeptance, BC) at the converter bus results in the modification of the 
maximum power expression from equation 2.10 to 2.13 
Pmax = 0.2887 E2 B / (1 – BC/B) …………2.14 
The above analysis shows that there is a need to modify the reactive 
power characteristics of the converter station by either 
i. choice of reactive power sources 
ii. adjustment in the converter control characteristics 
When the DC link involves long distance transmission, the 
minimization of power losses in the line dictates operation at constant DC 
voltage and flexibility of converter operation is not feasible. However, with 
back-to-back links, the operation at constant voltage is not critical and 
alternate converter control strategies, as shown in Fig. 4.12 can be adopted. 
These are 
1. Constant reactive power characteristics 
2. Constant leading power factor characteristics 
)LJXUH$OWHUQDWHUHDFWLYHSRZHUFRQWUROVWUDWHJLHV
HVDC Control 70 
It is to be noted that by providing a constant reactive power source of 
QN at the converter bus, the characteristics ab or a’b results in unity power 
operation of the converter. Similarly, by providing reactive source of 2QN, 
the power factor angle is changed from 3to -3 
2.8.3 SOURCES OF REACTIVE POWER 
The reactive power requirement of the converter are met by one or 
more of the following sources: 
• AC system 
• AC filters 
• Shunt Capacitors 
• Synchronous Condenser 
• Static VAR system 
These are shown schematically in Fig. 2.12 
)LJXUH5HDFWLYHSRZHUVRXUFHVDWDFRQYHUWHUEXV 
The voltage regulation at the converter bus is desirable not only from 
the voltage control viewpoint but also from the minimization of loss and
HVDC Control 71 
stability considerations. This requires adjustable reactive power source, 
which can provide variable reactive power as demanded. 
2.8.3.1 AC System 
Figure 2.13 shows the reactive power drawn by AC system at the 
inverter bus, as a function of PD. At low values of delivered power, reactive 
power supplied by AC system is positive while with the increase in PD it 
goes negative. 
)LJXUH5HDFWLYHSRZHUVXSSOLHGEWKH$VVWHP 
This value is more negative when the short circuit ratio (SCR) is 
lower for the same amount of power transfer PD. 
2.8.3.2 AC Filters 
AC filters, that are provided at the converter bus for filtering out AC 
current harmonics, appears as a capacitors at the fundamental frequency and 
thus provide reactive power. These filters are mechanically switched and 
suffer from the inability of continuous control. Also they can cause low 
order resonance with the network impedance, resulting in harmonic 
overvoltages.
HVDC Control 72 
2.8.3.3 Shunt Capacitor 
For slow variation in load, switched capacitors or filters can provide 
some control, which may cause voltage flicker owing to discrete control, 
unless the size of unit, which is switched is made sufficiently small. 
2.8.3.4 Synchronous Condenser 
Synchronous condenser provides continuous control of reactive power 
and can follow fast load changes. It has following advantages 
1. The availability of voltage source for commutation at the inverter 
even if the connection to the AC system is temporarily interrupted. 
2. Increase in SCR as the fault level is increased. 
3. Better voltage regulation during a transient due to the maintenance 
of flux linkages in the rotor windings. 
But still there are some disadvantages to its part such as – (i) high 
maintenance and cost  (ii) possibility of instability due to machine going 
out of synchronism. 
2.8.3.4 Static VAR Systems (SVS) 
In HVDC converter station, the provision for SVS mainly helps to 
have fast control of reactive power flow, thereby controlling voltage 
fluctuations and also to overcome the problem of voltage instability. There 
are basically three types of SVS schemes: 
i) Variable impedance type SVS 
ii) Current source type SVS 
iii) Voltage source typr SVS 
The variable impedance type is most common in power system 
applications and will be described next.
HVDC Control 73 
Thyristor Controlled Reactor (TCR) 
)LJXUH6LQJOHSKDVHWKULVWRUFRQWUROOHGUHDFWRU 
Single phase TCR is shown in Fig. 2.14 By controlling firing angle of 
the back-to-back connected thyristor, the current in the reactor can be 
controlled. A TCR is usually operated with fixed capacitor (FC) to provide 
the variation of reactive power consumption form inductive to capacitive. 
The schematic FC-TCR is shown in Fig. 2.15. 
)LJXUH7KHVFKHPDWLFGLDJUDPRI)75
HVDC Control 74 
Thyristor Switched Capacitor 
Thyristor switching is faster than mechanical switching. A reactor is 
usually connected in series with the capacitor to reduce the rate of change of 
the inrush current. 
)LJXUH$VLQJOHSKDVH76
Harmonics and Filters 
Chapter 3 
HARMONICS AND FILTERS 
3.1 INTRODUCTION 
HVDC converter introduces AC and DC harmonics that are injected 
into AC system and DC line side respectively. A converter of pulse number 
p generates harmonics principally of the order of 
h = p*q (on the DC side) …………3.1 
And 
h = p*q ± 1 (on the AC side) …………3.2 
Where, q is an integer. 
Most of the HVDC converters have pulse number 6 or 12 and thus 
produce the harmonics of the order given in table 3.1 
Table 3.1 Orders of the Characteristics Harmonics 
The amplitude of the harmonics decrease with increasing order: the 
AC harmonic current of order h is less than I1/h where I1 is the amplitude of 
the fundamental current. 
There are several problems associated with the injection of harmonics 
and these are listed below:
Harmonics and Filters 76 
• Telephone interference 
• Extra power losses and consequent heating in machines and 
capacitance connected in the system. 
• Over voltage due to resonance. 
• Instability of converter control, primarily with individual phase 
control scheme of firing pulse generation. 
• Interference with ripple control system used in load management. 
AC filters are invariably used to filter out AC current harmonics 
which are critical. These filters are of band pass or high pass type and also 
supply reactive power. DC smoothing reactor along with DC filter perform 
the function of filtering DC harmonics. 
In addition to the harmonics, which cause telephone interference, the 
harmonics at the carrier and radio frequencies are also generated by the 
converter and may require suitable filters. 
Principal means of diminishing the harmonic output of converter are 
1. Increase the pulse number 
2. Installation of filters 
In general, converters with pulse number greater than 12 are not used 
as the complexity of operation and control overshadows the significant 
advantages of higher pulse number. It is also found that for HVDC converter 
use of filter is more economical than the use of higher pulse number (greater 
than 12). AC filters serves the dual purpose of diminishing the AC 
harmonics and supply reactive power at the fundamental frequency.
Harmonics and Filters 77 
3.2 GENERATION OF HARMONICS 
3.2.1 Generation of Harmonics in AC Side 
The line current and phase voltage waveforms under the condition of 
no overlap are as shown in figure 3.1 
)LJXUH/LQHFXUUHQWZDYHIRUP 
Line current waveform under the condition of no-overlap is the series 
of equally spaced rectangular pulses with alternately positive and negative 
value. 
3.2.2 Generation of DC Harmonics on DC Side 
DC voltage waveforms contains ripple whose fundamental frequency 
is six times the supply frequency. 
)LJXUH/LQHFXUUHQWZDYHIRUP 
This voltage is analyzed in Fourier series and contains harmonics of the 
order of h 
h = n*p 
Where, p is the number of pulse and n is an integer. 
The rms value of the hth order harmonic can be given as 
Vh = Vd0 * ¥K2 – 1) Sin2.@1/2 / [h2 – 1] …………3.3
Harmonics and Filters 78 
Normally, a DC reactor of large inductance is used in the DC side so 
that the DC current is almost constant and can be considered free from 
ripples hence it can be said that on DC side there are voltage harmonics 
predominately while on AC side, current harmonics predominates. 
Besides these, some harmonics also occur owing to imbalance in the 
AC supply waveform, difference in firing angle etc. These harmonics can be 
categorized namely Characteristics Harmonics and Non- characteristics 
Harmonics 
3.3 CHARACTERISTICS HARMONICS 
Characteristics harmonics are those which can e predicted by 
mathematical analysis and are generally predominate. These are present 
even under ideal operating conditions like balanced AC voltage, 
symmetrical three-phase network and equidistant pulses. Characteristics 
harmonics are those of orders given by equations 3.1  3.2. 
Assumptions: 
The following assumptions are made as bases for deriving the orders, 
magnitude and phases of the characteristics harmonics of a six-pulse 
converter: 
• The alternating voltage are three phase, sinusoidal, balanced, and of 
positive sequence. 
• The direct current is absolutely constant that is without ripple. Such 
current would be the consequence of having a dc reactor of infinite 
inductance. 
• The valves are ignited at equal times interval of one-sixth cycle that 
is, at constant delay angle measured from the zeros of the respective 
commutating voltage. By assumption 1, these zeros are equally spaced 
in time.
Harmonics and Filters 79 
• The commutation inductances are equal in the three phases. 
3.3.1 Harmonics at No Overlap 
The wave shape of alternating voltage and currents confronting with 
the assumptions made above are equidistant rectangular pulses assuming that 
direct current has no harmonics, current waveforms for the primary side of 
converter transformer are drawn for an ignition delay of .without overlap 
( = 0). 
3.3.1.1 For six-pulse Converter 
The line current waveforms at no overlap are a series of equally space 
rectangular pulses, alternately negative and positive. Fourier analysis of such 
wave shape, for finding the characteristics harmonics can be carried out 
under the following steps: 
Consider the pulse of unit height and width w radian that is of 
duration w/ seconds. 
iA = (2¥p) IdFRVt – (1/5) cos 5t + (1/7) cos 7t 
– (1/11) cos 11t + (1/13) cost -….] …………3.4 
The rms value of the hth order harmonic in DC voltage is given by 
equation 3.3. 
3.3.1.2 For 12-pulse Converter 
A 12-pulse group in a HVDC converter is composed of two 6-pulse 
group fed from sets of valve side transformer winding having a phase shift 
of 300 between fundamental voltages. Since . is same for both 6-pulse 
group, the fundamental valve side currents have the same phase difference 
as the voltages, and fundamental network-side currents are in phase with one 
another. The schematic diagram for a 12-pulse converter unit is shown in 
figure 3.3
Harmonics and Filters 80 
)LJXUH6FKHPDWLFGLDJUDPRIDSXOVHFRQYHUWHU 
Neglecting overlap, the current in the primary side of star-star 
connected transformer (assuming turns ratio of 1:1) is given by the equation 
3.5. Similarly, assuming that the delta-star connected transformer has turns 
ratio of ¥IA2 can be given as 
iA2 = (2¥p) IdFRVt + (1/5) cos 5t - (1/7) cos 7t – 
(1/11) cos 11t + (1/13) cost -.…] …………3.5 
The current IA can be given by the summation of IA1 and IA2 or, 
IA = IA1 + IA2 
IA = (4¥p) IdFRVt – (1/11) cos 11t + (1/13) 
cost – (1/23) cos 23 W
FRVW«] …………3.6 
From the above expression, it can be observed that 
I10 = (2¥Œ
,D 
Iho = I10 / h 
Where I10 and Ih0 are rms values of the fundamental component and 
harmonic of the order of ‘h’. The second subscript shows that the overlap 
angle  is considered zero.
Harmonics and Filters 81 
The magnitude of the characteristics harmonics is also a function of the load 
current. This is shown in the Fig. 3.4 
)LJXUH+DUPRQLFPDJQLWXGHVZLWKYDULDWLRQRI'FXUUHQW 
3.3.2 AC and DC Harmonics with Overlap 
Because of overlap (owing to inductive nature of transformer winding 
and inductance of AC network seen through the converter) valve current in 
valve winding is distorted. 
)LJXUH$DQG'FXUUHQWZDYHIRUPXQGHURYHUODS 
Thus, expressions for the fundamental component of the AC current 
derived for the case with no overlap is not valid. The actual expression for 
the current can be derived from Fourier analysis and is given by 
I1 = [I11 
2 + I12 
2] ½ …………3.7
Harmonics and Filters 82 
Where, 
I11 = I1FRV3 ¥Œ,dFRV.FRV.
/@ …………3.8 
I12 = I1 VLQ3 ¥Œ,dVLQ.–VLQ/
FRV.–FRV/
@ 
Where, 3 is the power factor and / . 
From the above expression, the power factor angle can be obtained as 
WDQ3  VLQ.–VLQ/
FRV.–FRV/
…………3.10 
The harmonic components in the AC current are also altered. These 
are reduced from the value calculated with no overlap. The expression can 
be given as 
Ih = Ih0 [A2 + B2 –$%FRV.
@ 1/2FRV.–FRV/@«««.11 
Where, 
$ VLQ^K

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Major Project, HVDC Thesis - Saurabh Saxena

  • 1. STUDY OF HVDC BACK-TO-BACK COUPLING SCHEME WITH CASE STUDY OF VINDHYACHAL GRID Project No. – 7 Submitted as a Major Project for the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering Year 2005-2006 Guided by: Submitted by: Miss Madhu Gupta Rashmi Jain Saurabh Saxena Vaseem Mansuree Department of Electrical Engineering SHRI VAISHNAVSM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE INDORE Project No. – 7: Study of HVDC back-to-back coupling shemes with case study of Vindhyachal Grid Rashmi jain, Saurabh Saxena & Vaseem Ahmad Mansuree
  • 2. STUDY OF HVDC BACK-TO-BACK COUPLING SCHEME WITH CASE STUDY OF VINDHYACHAL GRID Major Project A Dissertation submitted to Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidhyalaya, Bhopal towards partial fulfillment of the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering Year 2005-2006 Guided by: Submitted by: Miss Madhu Gupta Rashmi Jain Saurabh Saxena Vaseem Mansuree Department of Electrical Engineering SHRI VAISHNAVSM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE INDORE
  • 3. (57,),$7( This is to certify that Miss Rashmi Jain (0802EE033D06), Mr. Saurabh Saxena (0802EE021050) Mr. Vaseem Ahmad Mansuree (0802EE021054) students of Final Year (VIII Semester), Electrical Engineering Branch, working in a group have successfully completed the required work for this semester for the major project no. 7 titled “STUDY OF HVDC BACK-TO-BACK COUPLING SCHEME WITH CASE STUDY OF VINDHYACHAL GRID”. This project work is a part of the syllabus prescribed by R.G.P.V. under the subject “Major Project” for the academic year 2005-06. Project Guide Head of Department Internal Examiner External Examiner Department of Electrical Engineering SHRI VAISHNAVSM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE INDORE
  • 4. $.12:/('*(0(176 No great tasks can be completed successfully without suitable functional environment and proper guidance. We are thankful to the board of education for giving us a chance to apply our theoretical knowledge to develop practical skills through this project. We feel immense pleasure and deep feeling of gratitude towards Miss Madhu Gupta (Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering) for encouraging us in choosing this project and guiding us with constructive and valuable suggestions and constant motivation, which not merely helped but enabled us to complete the report. We express our gratitude towards Proff. R. N. Paul (HOD, Electrical Engineering Department) for his guidance and timely advice for the preparation of the report. We are also thankful to Mr. M. C. Sahu (D.G.M., HVDC BTB Vindhyachal, PGCIL), Mr. A. K. Pandey (Manager, HVDC BTB, Vindhyachal, PGCIL), Mr. Praveen Ranjan (Dy. Manager, HVDC BTB, Vindhyachal, PGCIL) for their guidance and providing functional environment during our visit to Vindhyachal BTB station. And finally heartfelt appreciation to all those persons, who were directly and indirectly, helpful in completing this report. Rashmi Jain Saurabh Saxena Vaseem Ahmad Mansuree
  • 5. Contents CONTENTS Page No. 1. Synopsis 1. Aim 1 2. Objectives 2 3. Introduction 3 3.1 Introduction to HVDC 3 3.2 HVDC scenario in India 4 3.3 Selection of voltage level for HVDC transmission 5 3.4 Cost structure of HVDC 7 3.5 HVDC connection schemes 8 4. EHV-AC versus HVDC 11 4.1 Technical considerations 11 4.2 Economical considerations 13 5. HVDC back to back interconnection 15 5.1 Significance 15 5.2 Overview of operation 15 6. Substation configuration 17 6.1 Converter bridge unit 18 6.2 Converter transformer 20 6.3 Smoothing reactor 23 6.4 Filters 23 6.5 Reactive power sources 24 6.6 Transmission medium 25 6.7 DC switchgear 25 6.8 Earth electrode 25 7. Future work to be done 26 8. Utility and application of the project 26 9. Conclusion 27 2. Introductions
  • 6. Contents 3. Chapter 1: Converter analysis 1.1 Thyristor valve 30 1.1.1 General 30 1.1.2 Valve design consideration 30 1.1.3 Valve firing 31 1.1.4 Recent trends 32 1.2 Choice of converter configuration 32 1.2.1 Valve rating 33 1.2.2 Transformer rating 34 1.3 Analysis of Graetz circuit 34 1.3.1 General 34 1.3.2 Analysis without overlap 36 1.3.3 Analysis with overlap 40 1.3.4 Inversion 48 1.4 Steady state equivalent circuit 51 4. Chapter 2: HVDC control 2.1 Introduction 52 2.2 Principle of DC link control 52 2.2.1 Desired features of control 53 2.3 Voltage–current characteristics for HVDC converter 55 2.3.1 Individual characteristics 55 2.3.2 Combined characteristics 57 2.4 Basic control system 58 2.4.1 Firing angle control 59 2.4.2 Constant minimum ignition angle control 60 2.4.3 Constant current control 60 2.4.3 Constant extinction angle control 62 2.5 Master control 62 2.6 Higher level controllers 62 2.7 System control hierarchy 63 2.8 Reactive power control 64 2.8.1 Introduction 64 2.8.2 Steady state reactive power requirement 65 2.8.3 Sources of reactive power 70
  • 7. Contents 5. Chapter 3: Harmonics and filters 3.1 Introduction 75 3.2 Generation of harmonics 77 3.2.1 Generation on AC side 77 3.2.2 Generation on DC side 77 3.3 Characteristic harmonics 78 3.3.1 Harmonics at no overlap 79 3.3.2 Harmonics with overlap 81 3.4 Non-Characteristic harmonics 83 3.4.1 Causes 83 3.4.2 Amplification 84 3.4.3 Consequences 84 3.5 Troubles caused by harmonics 84 3.6 Means of reducing harmonics 85 3.6.1 Increased pulse number 85 3.6.2 Application of filter 85 3.7 Filters 86 3.7.1 Purpose 86 3.7.2 Classification 86 3.7.3 Cost 87 3.7.4 AC filters 88 3.7.5 DC filters 89 6. Chapter 4: Converter faults and protection 4.1 Introduction 90 4.2 Converter Faults 90 4.2.1 General 90 4.2.2 Arc-back 91 4.2.3 Arc-through 92 4.2.4 Misfire 92 4.2.5 Quenching (current extinction) 92 4.2.6 Commutation failure 93 4.2.7 Short circuit in bridge 95 4.3 Protection 95 4.3.1 General 95 4.3.2 DC reactor 96 4.3.4 Voltage oscillations and valve dampers 96 4.3.5 Current oscillations and anode dampers 97
  • 8. Contents 7. Chapter 5: Case study 5.1 Introduction 98 5.2 Location of Vindhyachal HVDC Back-to-Back station 98 5.3 Technical information and data 98 5.4 Nominal ratings 99 5.5 Single line diagram 100 5.6 Equipments 101 5.7.1 Converter transformer 101 5.7.2 Thyristor valve 103 5.7.3 Smoothing reactor 107 5.7.4 Filter and shunt bank 108 5.7 System control and auxiliary power 109 5.7.1 Control hierarchy 109 5.7.2 Control modes 109 5.7.3 Block control 110 7.7.4 Station level controller 111 5.8 Other auxiliaries 112 5.8.1 Valve cooling system 112 5.8.2 D.G. Set 113 5.8.3 PLCC Room 113 5.8.4 Battery Room 114 5.8.5 Battery Charging Room 114 5.8.6 Fire Fighting System 114 5.9 Operations and maintenance 115 8. Conclusions 116 9. Bibliography 117
  • 9. Synopsis 1 AIM Study and analysis of HVDC back-to-back coupling scheme case study of Vindhyachal HVDC back-to-back interconnection between Western and Northern Regions.
  • 10. Synopsis 2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ¾To understand the basic operation of HVDC interconnection. ¾To study and analyze converter operation. ¾To study the various design considerations of converter transformer ¾To study the problem of harmonics during converter operation ¾To analyze the operation of filters and smoothing reactor ¾To study reactive power requirement and compensation schemes adopted in HVDC ¾To study and analyze the control parameters governing the magnitude and direction of power flow. ¾To Study the coupling scheme adopted at Vindhyachal back-to-back interconnection between Northern region and Western region.
  • 11. Synopsis 3 INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction to HVDC Early electric power distribution schemes used alternating-current generators located near the customer's loads. As electric power use became more widespread, the distances between loads and generating plant increased. Since the flow of current through the distribution wires resulted in a voltage drop, it became difficult to regulate the voltage at the extremities of distribution circuits. A generator connected to a long ac transmission line may become unstable and fall out of synchronization with a distant ac power system. An HVDC transmission link may make it economically feasible to use remote generation sites. HVDC transmissions make an important contribution to controlling power transmissions, safeguarding stability and containing disturbances. In an HVDC transmission, electric power is taken from a three-phase .AC network, converted to DC in a converter station, transmitted to the receiving point by a cable or overhead line and then converted back to AC in another converter station and injected into the receiving AC network. As the conversion process is fully controlled, the transmitted power is not dictated by impedances or phase angle differences, as is the case with AC. The investment costs for HVDC converter stations are higher than for high voltage AC substations. On the other hand, the costs of transmission medium (overhead lines and cables), land acquisition/right-of-way costs are lower in the HVDC case. Moreover, the operation and maintenance costs are lower in the HVDC case. Initial loss levels are higher in the HVDC system, but they do not vary with distance. In contrast, loss levels increase with
  • 12. Synopsis 4 distance in a high voltage AC system. The following picture shows the cost breakdown (shown with and without considering losses). )LJXUH9DULDWLRQRIRVWVRI$YHUVXV'7UDQVPLVVLRQ The breakeven distance depends on several factors, as transmission medium (cable or OH line), different local aspects (permits, cost of local labor etc.). When comparing high voltage AC with HVDC transmission, it is important to compare a bipolar HVDC transmission to a double-circuit high voltage AC transmission, especially when availability and reliability is considered. 2. HVDC Scenario in India In India, HVDC technology is new and presently only seven HVDC links are under operation and two links are under construction. These are Commissioned Projects 1. HVDC Back to Back station, Vindhyachal (Madhya Pradesh) 2*250 = 500 MW (Northern region and Western region) 2. HVDC Back to Back station, Sasaram (Bihar) 1*500 = 500 MW (Eastern Region and Northern Region) 3. HVDC Back to Back station, Vijag (Andhra Pradesh) 2*500 = 1000 MW (Southern region and Eastern region)
  • 13. Synopsis 5 )LJXUH,QGLDQ+9',QWHUFRQQHFWLRQ 4. HVDC Back to Back station, Chandrepur (Maharashtra) 2*500 = 1000 MW (Western region and Southern region) 5. HVDC Bipolar line; Chandrapur (MH) to Padeghe (MH) Ratings: ± 500 kV, 1500 MW, 850 km 6. HVDC bipolar line; Talser to Kollar (Karnataka) Ratings: ± 500 kV, 2000 MW, 1700 km. 7. HVDC Bipolar Line; Rihand (UP) to Dadri (Delhi) Ratings: ± 500 kV, 1500 MW, 800 km Under Commissioning 8. HVDC Bipolar line : Baliya (UP) to Bhivadi Ratings: ± 500 kV, 2000 MW, ~ 850 km 9. HVDC Bipolar line: Arunachal Pradesh to Agra (UP) Ratings: ± 800 kV, 3500 MW, 2000 km
  • 14. Synopsis 6 3. Selection of transmission voltage Transmission voltage is selected taking into account the line cost and converter cost. With the increase in voltage level, converter cost increases gradually on account of increase in voltage rating while the line cost (which is a function of many parameters) shows the characteristics as shown in figure.2 Optimum system voltage at which power can be transmitted most economically is given by the minimum separation between the two curves. That optimum system voltage may or may not be equal to the optimum line voltage as shown in figure 3. )LJXUH6HOHFWLRQRI7UDQVPLVVLRQYROWDJHV
  • 15. Synopsis 7 2. Cost Structure of HVDC The cost of an HVDC transmission system depends on many factors, such as power capacity to be transmitted, type of transmission medium, environmental conditions and other safety, regulatory requirements etc. Even when these are available, the options available for optimal design (different commutation techniques, variety of filters, transformers etc.) render it is difficult to give a cost figure for an HVDC system. Nevertheless, a typical cost structure for the converter stations could be as follows: )LJXUHRVW6WUXFWXUHVKRZLQJWKHYDULRXVFRVWGHWHUPLQLQJSDUDPHWHUVRI+9'
  • 16. Synopsis 8 HVDC CONNECTION SCHEMES 1. Monopolar Link Monopolar HVDC system has only one conductor, usually of negative polarity (pole) and return path is provided by permanent earth or sea. This system is used only for low power transmission. Earth electrodes are designed for continuous full-current operation and for overload capacity required in the specific case. )LJXUH6FKHPDWLF'LDJUDPRI0RQRSRODU+9'/LQN 2. Homopolar Link Homopolar link has two or more conductors all having the same polarity, usually negative; all operates with the ground return. In the event of fault on one conductor, the entire converter is available for connection to the remaining conductor or conductors, which have some overload capability, can carry more than half of the rated, power and perhaps the whole rated power, at the expense of increased line losses. It has advantage of lower power loss due to corona and smaller radio interference due to negative polarity. )LJXUH6FKHPDWLF'LDJUDPRI+RPRSRODU+9'/LQN
  • 17. Synopsis 9 3. Bipolar Link Bipolar link has two conductors, one positive and other negative. Each terminal has two converter of equal rated voltage. The neutral point of one or both end is grounded. In the event of fault on one conductor, the other conductor with ground return can carry up to the half of the rated load. The voltage between poles is twice that of pole to earth voltage therefore its typical rating can be expressed as 500 kV, 1500 MW. )LJXUH6LQJOH/LQH'LDJUDPRI%LSRODU+9'/LQN 4. HVDC Back-to-Back Coupling Scheme HVDC coupling scheme is used for interconnection between adjacent AC networks for the purpose of frequency conversion or for asynchronous interconnection. )LJXUH6LQJOH/LQH'LDJUDPRI%DFNWR%DFN+9'/LQN Rectifier and inverter are connected to form a DC closed loop. There is no DC transmission line and DC smoothing reactor is connected to de
  • 18. Synopsis 10 loop. Rectifier and inverter are installed in the same station. The exchange of power can be controlled, both in direction and magnitude, without can be controlled without transferring frequency disturbances. 5. Multi-terminal HVDC Scheme Multi-terminal HVDC scheme is used for asynchronous interconnection of two or more AC network. This scheme offers an effective way of large power transfer along with improvement in system stability. )LJXUH6LQJOH/LQH'LDJUDPRIPXOWLWHUPLQDO+9'VFKHPH
  • 19. Synopsis 11 EHV-AC VERSUS HVDC SYSTEM 1. Technical Considerations 1.1 Stability of Transmission System HVDC gives asynchronous tie and transient stability does not pose any limit on power transfer. Line can be loaded up to thermal limit of the line or valves. But in AC system to maintain its stability under transient condition, it remains in synchronism. 1.2 Short Circuit Level In AC transmission, when an existing AC system is interconnected with another AC system, the fault level of both the system increases. However, when both are interconnected by DC transmission, the short circuit current is not increased so much as for DC line contributes no current to an AC short circuit beyond its rated current. 1.3 Corona Losses and Radio Interference For the same power transfer and same distance, the corona losses and radio interference of DC system is less than that of AC system, as the required dc insulation level is lower then corresponding ac insulation. 1.4 Line Loading The permissible loading of an EHV-AC line is limited by transient stability limit and line reactance to almost one third of thermal rating of conductors, no such limit exists in case of HVDC lines. 1.5 Skin Effect This is absent in dc current, as current density is uniformly distributed across the cross-section of the conductor while the effective resistance in AC conductor is increased due to skin effect.
  • 20. Synopsis 12 1.6 Surge Impedance Loading Long HVAC lines are loaded to less than 0.8 PN (Surge impedance loading or natural loading of line). No such condition is imposed on HVDC line. 1.7 Voltage along the line Long HVAC line has varying voltage along the line due to absorption of reactive power. This line remains loaded below its thermal limit due to the transient stability limit. Such problem does not arise in HVDC line and it gives almost flat voltage profile. 1.8 Reactive power requirements HVDC line does not need intermediate reactive power compensation like in HVAC line but it requires reactive power at converter terminals. The required reactive power varies with the transmitted power and is about 60 % of the total active power transferred per converter station. Usually shunt capacitors or synchronous condenser are installed for supplying reactive power. 1.9 Skin Effect This is absent in DC and hence current density is uniformly distributed across the cross section of the conductor, this leads to reduced heating effect and optimum conductor utilization 1.10 Rapid power transfer The control of converter valves permit rapid changes in magnitude and direction of power flow. Limitation is imposed by power generation and AC system. For AC line power per phase can be given as Pac = {[ | V1 | . | V2 | ] Sin d }/ X Watts / phase
  • 21. Synopsis 13 The AC line can be loaded to transient stability limit which occurs at d=300 and given by, Pac = { | V1 | . | V2 | } / 2 X Watts / phase AC power cannot be changed easily, quickly and accurately as V1 and V2 should kept around rated and d can not be changed quickly, while power flow through DC line can be given as PDC = {Vd1 – Vd2}* Vd / R Watts / pole By varying Vd1 and Vd2 by means of thyristor converter control and tap changer control, PDC can be quickly, accurately and easily controlled. Ramping rate (the rate at which magnitude of power transfer can be varied) can be as high as 30 MW / minute. 1.11 Transmission through cables DC transmission can be through underground or marine cables since charging currents are taken only while energizing the DC link and are not present continuously. In AC system, there is limit on length of cable depending upon rated voltage. This limit is about 60 km for 145 kV, 40 km for 245 kV and 25 km for 400 kV AC line. 2. Economical Considerations 2.1 Substation cost Substation cost of HVDC is very high owing to costly terminal equipments like converter, filters, converter transformer, complex control equipments etc, while initial cost of HVDC terminal substation is very low. 2.2 Number of lines HVAC needs at least two-three phase lines and generally more for higher power. HVDC needs at maximum, only one bipolar line for majority of application.
  • 22. Synopsis 14 2.3 No of conductors Bipolar HVDC transmission lines require two-pole conductors to carry DC power. Hence HVDC transmission becomes economical over ac transmission at long distance with the saving in overall conductor cost, losses, towers etc. 2.4 Right of way Right of way for DC line is low as compared to that of AC transmission system 2.5 Cost of towers More number of conductors require high tower strength to stand with the mechanical forces and weight. This increases the cost of AC towers while in case of DC tower has to carry only two lines and a compact structure is sufficient.
  • 23. Synopsis 15 HVDC BACK TO BACK INTERCONNECTION 1. Significance of HVDC back-to-back interconnection Interconnections between grids are desirable because they not only permit economies through the sharing of reserves, but they also make the trading of electricity between grids possible. Interconnections allow power consumers to benefit from generation at the site of lowest incremental cost. On the downside, however, disturbances can easily spread from one area to another. Major blackouts in recent years highlight the vulnerability of large AC systems and have shown how relatively minor malfunctions can have repercussions over wider areas. As one link overloads it is tripped, increasing the strain on neighboring links, which in turn disconnect, cascading blackouts over vast areas and causing huge productivity losses for the economy. HVDC back-to-back coupling scheme play a significant role in interconnecting the power systems as it not only allows the precise and reliable transfer of power but also prevent the frequency disturbances to transfer from one system to another. A HVDC link can fully control transmission but does not overload or propagate fault currents. 2. Overview of Operation A back-to-back station is system for power transfer in which both static inverters are in the same area, usually even in the same building and the length of the direct current line is only a few meters. Figure 10 shows the detailed schematic diagram of HVDC back to back coupling scheme, main components of any such schemes are as follows:
  • 24. Synopsis 16 • Converter • Converter transformer • Shunt compensators • Smoothing reactor • AC Filter )LJXUHRQILJXUDWLRQRIEDFNWREDFN+9'VXEVWDWLRQ In an HVDC coupling scheme, electric power is taken from one grid (three-phase AC network), converted to DC in a converter station, fed to the receiving point (inverter) and then converted back to AC in another converter station and injected into the receiving AC network. As the conversion process is fully controlled, the transmitted power is not dictated by impedances or phase angle difference, as is the case with AC. Earthing is only for reference, it does not carry any direct current and there are no problems of galvanic corrosion of substation earth and underground pipes, structure etc.
  • 25. Synopsis 17 HVDC SUBSTATION CONFIGURATION At HVDC converter station, conversion from AC to DC (rectification) or DC to AC (inversion) is performed. Role of rectifier and inverter can be reversed using suitable converter control configuration. A point to point transmission requires two converter stations. While In a back-to-back station, both rectifier and inverter station are usually installed in a single valve room with the converter transformer installed on either side of valve room (Hall) and the DC bushings are taken indside the valve hall for connection to the valves. )LJXUH+9'6XEVWDWLRQRQILJXUDWLRQ Figure 11 shows the typical arrangement of the converter substation. One of the main components of a converter substation is the thyristor converter, which is usually housed in a valve hall. As seen from figure, the
  • 26. Synopsis 18 substation also essentially consists of converter transformers. These transformers transform the ac system voltage based on the dc voltage required by the converter. The secondary or dc side of the converter transformers is connected to the converter bridges. The transformer is placed outside the thyristor valve hall, and the connection has to be made through the hall wall. This is accomplished in two ways: 1) with phase isolated bus bars where the bus conductors are housed within insulated bus ducts with oil or SF6 as the insulating medium, or 2) with wall bushings, and these require care to avoid external or internal breakdown. Filters are required on both ac and dc sides since the converters generate harmonics. The filters are tuned based on the converter operation (6 or 12 pulse). DC reactors are included in each pole of the converter station. These reactors assist the dc filters in filtering harmonics and mainly smooth the dc side current ensuring continuous mode of operation. Surge arrestors are provided across each valve in the converter bridge, across each converter bridge, and in the dc and ac switches to protect the equipment from over voltages. 1. Converter Bridge Unit This usually consists of two three phase converter bridges connected in series to form a 12 pulse converter unit. The total numbers of valve in such a unit are twelve. The valves can be packaged as single valve, double valve or quadrivalve arrangements. Each valve is used to switch in a segment of an AC voltage waveform. The converter is fed by converter transformer connected in star/ star and star/delta arrangement.
  • 27. Synopsis 19 )LJXUH7ZHOYHSXOVHEULGJHXQLW The valves are cooled by air, oil, and water. Liquid cooling using deionized water is more efficient and results in the reduction of station losses. The ratings of valve group are limited by more permissible short circuit current than steady state load requirement. The design of valve is based on the modular concepts where each module contains a limited number of series connected thyristor level. Valve firing signals are generated in the converter control at ground potential and are transmitted to each thyristor in the valve through a fiber optic light guide system. The light signal received at the thyristor level is converted to an electrical signal using gate drive amplifier with pulse transformer.
  • 28. Synopsis 20 2. Converter Transformer The HVDC converter transformer is a very important component in a HVDC transmission system. 25 –30 % cost of the converter station is determined by the cost of converter transformer. In addition to its normal application to provide transfer of power between two voltage levels, it serves a number of additional functions like galvanic separation between the AC and DC systems. A fairly large tapping range permits optimum operation also for a large variation in load without loss of efficiency. The converter transformer is generally built with two valve windings of equal power and voltage ratings. One of the windings is connected in star and the other in delta. With this arrangement the dominant harmonics from the converter will be cancelled out. Windings, which are directly connected to AC system, are termed as line windings while winding connected to the converter is called valve windings. The HVDC converter transformer can be built as three-phase or as single-phase units depending on voltage and power rating. When built as three-phase transformer there is generally one unit with the valve winding arranged for star connection and the other delta connection. In single-phase design the two valve windings are generally built on the same transformer unit.
  • 29. Synopsis 21 2.1 Winding Connection The generation of harmonics is an undesirable feature in the converter equipment and in order to minimize these, 12 pulse converter is normally used. It is usual to arrange both star and delta connected valve windings have a common star connected primary line winding. 2.2 Insulation Design The insulation design of HVDC converter transformer is determine by following factors: 1. The AC voltage distribution and DC bias voltage which is a function of dc system voltage experienced by valve winding 2. The DC voltage experience a voltage polarity reversal when the direction of power flow is reversed 3. The behavior of insulating materials, paper, pressboard and oil, differs greatly in its response to DC stress than it does to AC stress. In the case of a system subjected to a DC stress the distribution is determined by material dimension and their resistivity and in case of converter transformer, as combination of AC and DC stresses occur in practice. 2.3 Harmonics Consideration The harmonics add considerably to the stray losses in the transformer windings, core and structural work and due allowances must be made for their effect. Reduction is harmonics in line side is achieved by the use of connecting filters.
  • 30. Synopsis 22 2.4 Commutating Reactance and Short-Circuit Current Fault current in the case of converter transformer is likely to contain a very much greater DC component than is the case for normal transformer and unlike the in the case of fault in the conventional AC circuit fro which the DC component decays very rapidly, for converter circuit the high DC component will continue until the protection operates. The resulting electromagnetic forces can therefore be very significant. These forces can be kept within the limits by either higher impedance which result in high regulation or, the use of tap changers, which in addition to control of valve firing angle to control the power flow will often have up to 50% grater range than conventional transformer, so the need to limit the variation of impedance with tap position becomes an important consideration in determining the winding configuration. 2.5 Configuration THE converter transformer can have different configuration (1) three phase, two winding,(2) single phase , three winding (3) single phase two winding. The valve side windings are connected in star and delta with neutral point ungrounded. On the AC side, the transformers are connected in parallel with neutral ground. The leakage reactance of the transformer is chosen to limit the short circuit current through any valve. In back to back links, which are designed for low DC voltage level, an extended delta configuration can result in identical transformer being used in twelve pulse converter units. This result in the reduction of the spare capacity required.
  • 31. Synopsis 23 3. Smoothing Reactors The main purpose of a smoothing reactor is to reduce the rate of rise of the direct current following disturbances on either side of the converter. Thus the peak current during the dc line short circuits and ac commutation failure is limited. For satisfactory current conversion in thyristor-converters and to eliminate pulses from DC current waveform, a large series inductance (L) is necessary on DC side. A DC Smoothing reactor (smoothing reactor) is a high inductance coil connected in series with the main DC pole circuit between Converter Bridge and DC line-pole. Due to high inductance (L) the current (Id) stores high energy (e=1/2 L*Id 2) in the reactor coil. The current in an inductance cannot change instantaneously. Hence the fluctuations and pulses in the direct current Id are smoothened thus the function of the smoothing reactor is to eliminate the pulses and fluctuations in DC current waveform, i.e. to smoothen the DC current. The reactor blocks the non- harmonic frequencies from being transferred between two ac systems, and also reduces the harmonics in the dc line. 4. Filters There are three types of filter used in HVDC System 4.1 AC Filters Filters are used to control the harmonics in the network. The filter banks compensate the reactive power consumed by the converters at both the ends. For example, in CCC (capacitor commutated converter) reactive power is compensated by the series capacitors installed between the converter transformer and the thyristor valves.
  • 32. Synopsis 24 4.2 DC Filters The harmonics created by the converter can cause disturbances in telecommunication systems, and specially designed dc filters are used in order to reduce the disturbances. Generally, filters are not used for submarine or underground cable transmission, but used when HVDC has an overhead line or if it is part of an interconnecting system. The modern filters are active dc filters, and these filters use power electronics for measuring, inverting and re-injecting the harmonics, thus providing effective filtering. 4.3 High frequency filter These are connected between the converter transformer and the station AC bus to suppress any high frequency current. 5. Reactive Power Sources Converter station requires power supply that is dependent on the active power loding. Fortunately, part of this reactive power requirement is provided by AC filters. In addition, shunt capacitors, synchronous condensers and static VAR system are used depending on the speed of control desired. The control of various bus voltage is achieved by supplying and absorbing the reactive power requirement of respective bus bars by means of series or shunt compensation. Compensation of reactive power means supplying/ absorbing reactive volt- amperes. The compensation on AC side is provided by the following means: • AC filter capacitors • AC shunt capacitors • Synchronous condensers • Static VAr sources ( SVS )
  • 33. Synopsis 25 6. Transmission Medium Transmission medium is not required in Back to Back configuration as it has ideally zero length and practically only few meters. HVDC cables are generally used for submarine transmission and overheads lines are used for bulk power transmission over the land. The most common types of cables are solid and the oil-filled ones. The development of new power cable technologies has accelerated in recent years, and the latest HVDC cable available is made of extruded polyethylene 7. DC Switchgear This is usually a modified AC equipment used to interrupt small Dc current. Dc breaker or metallic return transfer breaker are used, if required for interruption of rated load current. 8. Earth Electrode Earth electrode is used for providing the return path for the direct current. This is used in case of Bipolar, Monopolar and Homopolar configuration but is not required in Back-to-Back system. It is usually located 5 – 25 KM away from the station to avoid the galvanic corrosion of substation earthing.
  • 34. Synopsis 26 UTILITY APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT Utility To make the back-to-back coupling system more familiar to people Applications 1. As an asynchronous tie between two regional grid for precise and reliable power transfer. 2. For interconnecting the two or more systems operating at different frequencies. 3. In some cases it may be for transferring the energy generated by windfarms to the backbone network FUTURE WORK TO BE DONE IN THE PROJECT ¾Detailed study and analysis of converter ¾Analysis of control schemes adopted in converter station. ¾Study of reactive power requirement in converter operation and compensation schemes adopted. ¾Study of protection schemes in HVDC ¾Study of Valve halls and switchyard ¾Case study of Vindhyachal HVDC back-to-back interconnection between northern and western grid.
  • 35. Synopsis 27 CONCLUSION In the present scenario of energy crisis it becomes very important to effectively utilize the available energy. In a way to achieve this, HVDC back to back Interconnection play very important role in connecting the power systems by providing the asynchronous tie and enabling the precise exchange of power along with consolidation to the stability of the existing AC network. . In HVDC Back-to-Back coupling, the great advantage of avoiding synchronization between AC power systems to grid helps in power transfer smoothly. Our study on the subject should reveal new facts, which will be helpful in power system stability analysis. With a lot of advantages over conventional (AC) connection schemes, due to very high cost consideration of equipments required and complexity of operation, the realization of scheme is restricted to few places in our country and is scarcely used in other countries except the developed countries except the developed countries.
  • 36. Introduction INTRODUCTION While the very first practical applications of electricity were based on direct current, this technology was quickly replaced by three-phase alternating current because of various advantages. Still, in spite of the principal use of alternating current in power systems, there are some applications for which direct current is the better not only from the point of view of technical performance but, even taking into account the economic consideration. With today’s power systems being operated closer to their stability limits, and particularly in view of the vulnerability of AC system to faults, there is an increasing need to understand how the HVDC technology can play in important role in improving the dynamic performance of the existing AC network. The thesis is organized as follows: First of all the thesis gives, a brief overview of HVDC technology, various transmissions schemes and presents a technical comparison with the existing AC system. This also gives some introduction to HVDC Back-to- Back interconnection and typical substation configuration and shows the significance of the project from the utility and application point of view. Secondly, it reviews with the basic converter elements i.e thyristor valve followed by the analysis of converter and concludes with the equivalent electrical model of a HVDC scheme. With the various control strategies adopted for the efficient power transmission It also cites the necessity of reactive power requirement and
  • 37. Introduction 29 various compensation techniques. The next chapter presents the harmonics generation phenomenon in converter operations, their effects and introduction to AC and DC filters for elimination of those harmonics. Also brief study of faults during converter operation and protection schemes is carried out Case-study of Vindhyachal HVDC Back-to-Back station demonstrates the practical implementation of the so far theoretically known operation and control of link. And finally a conclusion has been drawn citing the significance of the technology for the existing AC system presenting the back to back interconnection as a solution to many challenging situation.
  • 38. Converter Analysis Chapter 1 CONVERTER ANALYSIS 1.1 THYRISTOR VALVE 1.1.1 General A thyristor Valve is made up of number of devices connected in series to provide the required voltage rating and also of devices connected in parallel to provide the required current rating. Device ratings, transient overvoltages and protection philosophy determine number of series and parallel-connected thyristor. The valves are usually placed indoor in a valve hall for the protection purpose and are base mounted in single, double or quadric-valve configuration. These are usually air insulated and cooled using air, water, oil or Freon. The water flowing in ducts cools heat sinks and damping resistor. 1.1.2 Valve design consideration The valve design must consider the voltage and current stresses that occur during normal and abnormal operating conditions such as over voltage (which may occur due to switching action or as a result of external cause) or over current, which may arise from short circuit across a valve or a converter bridge. The losses in a valve includes i. The losses during on-state and switching losses ii. Damper and grading circuit losses iii. Losses due to auxiliary power requirement of cooling
  • 39. Converter Analysis 31 The reduction in short circuit ratio (SCR) tends to reduce the maximum value of fault current in a valve. The low SCR can also result in non-sinusoidal voltage at the converter bus, which can give rise to commutation failures. The valve can be subjected to high stress commutation resulting from high di/dt the discontinuous conduction can also result in high over voltages across a valve. The control of electrostatic and electromagnetic fields surrounding a valve is essential to avoid corona discharge and interference with sensitive electronic circuits. 1.1.3 Valve firing The basic valve-firing scheme is shown in Fig.1.1. The valve control generates the firing signals. Each thyristor lever receives the signal directly from a separate fiber-optic cable making each thyristor level independent. )LJXUH9DOYHILULQJVFKHPH
  • 40. Converter Analysis 32 The valve control unit also indicates many monitoring and protective function. The return pulse system coupled with short pulse firing scheme is used in present day valve control unit. A separate light guide is used to send a return pulse whenever the voltage across a thyristor is sufficient and the power supply unit is charged. If at that time, firing pulses are demanded from the valve control, the light signals are sent to all the thyristor control units simultaneously. During normal operation, one set of the light pulses are generated in a cycle for each valve. However, during operation at low direct current, many light pulses are generated due to discontinuous current. 1.1.4 Recent Trends The recent developments are expected to improve reliability and reduce the cost of HVDC valves. These are mainly: • Development in high power semiconductor devices these include direct light triggered thyristor and metal oxide semiconductor controlled thyristor. • Better cooling techniques such as forced vaporization as a means of reducing thermal resistance between the heat sink and the ambient. • Suspension of quadri- valve assembly from ceiling to withstand seismic forces. 1.2 CHOICE OF CONVERTER CONFIGURATION The configuration for a given pulse number is selected in such a way that both the valve and transformer utilization are maximized. The basic commutation group defines a converter configuration and the number of such groups connected in series and parallel.
  • 41. Converter Analysis 33 )LJXUHRQYHUWHUPDGHRIVHULHVDQGSDUDOOHOFRQQHFWLRQRIFRPPXWDWLRQJURXS If there are ‘q’ valves is a basic commutation group and r of these are connected in parallel and s of them are connected in series, then p = q*r*s …………1.1 1.2.1 Valve Rating The valve voltage is specified in terms of peak inverse voltage (PIV) it has to withstand, The ration of PIV to the average DC voltage is an index of valve utilization. The average maximum DC voltage across the converter is given by Vd0 = VTŒ(PVLQŒT) …………1.2
  • 42. Converter Analysis 34 The peak inverse voltage (PIV) across a valve can be obtained as follows: The valve utilization factor is given by PIV / Vd0 = 2ŒVTVLQŒT
  • 43. @ (for q even) = ŒVTVLQŒT
  • 44. @ (for q odd) For a six-pulse Graetz circuit, valve utilization factor comes out to be 1.047, which is one of the min. VUF obtained for various combinations. 1.2.2 Transformer Rating The current rating of a valve is given by IV = ID /[r ¥T@ Where, ID is the DC current assumed to be constant. The transformer rating on the valve side (in volt ampere) is given by STV = p EM IV / ¥ The transformer utilization factor (STV/ Vd0 ID) for q = 3 is obtained as 1.481, while for Graetz circuit it is equal to 1.047. Thus it is clear from the above discussion that both from valve and transformer utilization consideration, Graetz circuit is best circuit for six pulse converter. 1.3 ANALYSIS OF GRAETS CIRCUIT 1.3.1 General Converters used in HVDC system are of various types six pulse, twelve pulse etc, here we are considering a six-pulse converter, whose circuit diagram is shown in the figure 1.3 with the notation adopted. Following assumptions are made regarding the voltage source, current nature, frequency etc to simplify the analysis:
  • 45. Converter Analysis 35 Assumption 1. Power source (or sink) consisting of balanced sinusoidal EMFs of constant voltage and frequency in series with equal lossless inductances. 2. Constant ripple free direct current 3. Valves with no forward resistance and infinite inverse resistance 4. Ignition of valve at equal interval of one-sixth cycle (600) )LJXUH%ULGJHRQYHUWHUVFKHPDWLFFLUFXLWIRUDQDOVLV The instantaneous line-to-neutral EMFs are taken as: ……… 1.3
  • 46. Converter Analysis 36 Corresponding line-to-line emfs are ………1.4 1.3 ANALYSIS WITHOUT OVERLAP At any instant, two valves are conducting in the bridge, one from the upper commutation group and second from the lower commutation group. The firing of the next valve in a particular group results in the turning off the valve that is already conducting. One period of AC supply voltage has six intervals corresponding to conduction of pair of valves. )LJXUH%ULGJHRQYHUWHUZLWK9DOYHVDQGRQGXFWLQJ Fig 1.4 shows the typical waveforms of the converter if the ac inductance LC is neglected. In the top graph the ac line-to-neutral voltages are drawn in thin lines and, in heavy lines, the potentials of the positive and negative dc terminals with respect to ac neutral. The middle graph shows the ac line-to-line voltages and, in a heavy line, the instantaneous direct voltage VD (or Ud). The bottom graph shows the constant dc current and, in a heavy line, the ac line current Ia.
  • 47. Converter Analysis 37 At any given instant, one valve of the upper commutation group and one of the lower rows are conducting. Therefore, the instantaneous direct voltage at any time equals one of the six line-to-line voltages. The instant at which the direct voltage changes to another line-to-line voltage is controlled via the firing angle ‘.¶ )LJXUH9ROWDJHDQGFXUUHQWZDYHIRUPVZLWKRXWRYHUODS D
  • 50. SKDVHDOLQHFXUUHQW Average direct voltage Vd (or Ud) It is assumed that the valves are fired at equal intervals. Hence, Ud consists of six identical segments of 600 width each, and so the average direct voltage can be found by averaging the direct voltage over any 600 interval. LCC models average direct voltage is given by
  • 51. Converter Analysis 38 ……………1.5 Where ……………1.6 is the so called ideal no-load direct voltage. DC voltage harmonics The dc voltage waveform contains a ripple whose fundamental frequency is six times the supply frequency. This can be analyzed in Fourier series and contains harmonics of the order h = np Where, p is the number of pulse and n is integer.
  • 52. Converter Analysis 39 The rms value of hth order harmonic in DC voltage is given by Vh = Vd0 * ¥K2 – 1) Sin2 .@1/2 / [h2 – 1] ………………1.7 $OWKRXJK.FDQYDUIURP-1800 , the full range cannot be utilized. In order to ensure the firing of all the series connected thyristors, it is necessary to provide a minimum limit of .greater than zero. Also in order to allow for the turn-off time of a valve, it is necessary to provide an upper limit less than 1800. The delay angle .is not allowed to go beyond (1800 - ) where is called the extinction angle (also called margin angle). The minimum value of extinction angle is typically 100, although in normal operation as an inverter, it is not allowed to go below 150 or 180. AC current waveform As it is assumed that the direct current has no ripple (or harmonics). The AC currents flowing through the valve (secondary) and primary windings of the converter transformer contains harmonics. )LJXUH$FXUUHQWZDYHIRUP The waveform of the current in a valve winding is shown in fig.1.6 The rms value of the fundamental component of the current is given by I1 = ¥Œ ,D …………1.8 Whereas the rms value of the current is I = ¥
  • 54. Converter Analysis 40 The Power Factor The AC power supplied to the converter is given by PAC = ¥(LL I1FRV3 ¥(LL * (¥Œ)* IDFRV3«««« Where, FRV3 the power factor of ac side ELL line to line voltage on AC side I1 rms value of fundamental component ID value of direct current on DC side The DC power fed must match the AC power ignoring the losses in the converter. Thus, ignoring losses we get PDC = VD*ID = 3¥(LL*I1 cos .Œ ………... 1.11 Where, VD value of direct voltage on DC side Equating the above two equations we get FRV3 FRV. …………1.12 From the above equation it is clear that the reactive power UHTXLUHPHQW YDULHV LQ GLUHFW SURSRUWLRQ WR ILULQJ DQJOH . +HQFH LW LV recommended to operate the rectifier at low firing angle with suitable safety margin. 1.3.3 ANALYSIS WITH OVERLAP 1.3.3.1 General concept of overlap Because of the AC source inductance and converter transformer leakage reactance, transfer of current from one phase to another can’t be instantaneous but requires finite time called commutation time or overlap time where is the overlap angle. In normal operation it is less than 600: typical full load values are 20 - 250.
  • 55. Converter Analysis 41 With the increase in overlap angle, number of conducting valves at a given time increases. )LJXUH7LPLQJGLDJUDP Each interval of the period can be defined by two subintervals. In the first subintervals two valves are conducting and in the second subintervals, three valves are conducting. As the overlap increases to 600, there is no instant when only two valves are conducting. As the overlap angle increases beyond 600, there is a finite period during an interval when four valves conduct and the rest of the interval during which three valve conduct. Thus there are three modes of the converter as follows: 1. Mode 1 – Two and three valve conduction ( 600) 2. Mode 2 – Three valve conduction ( = 600) 3. Mode 3 – Three and four valve conduction ( 600) For the simplicity of analysis, we will discuss here only Mode-1 of operation, which is most usually encountered during the operation. ANALYSIS WITH OVERLAP LESS THAN 600 Since a new commutation begins every 600 and lasts for angle the angular interval when two valve conducts is 600 – The sequence of conducting valve is 12, 123, 23, 234, 34, 345, 45, 456, 56, 561, 61, 612 and so on.
  • 56. Converter Analysis 42 )LJXUH9ROWDJHDQGFXUUHQWZDYHIRUPVVKRZLQJWKHHIIHFWRIRYHUODS D
  • 59. SKDVHDDQGEOLQHFXUUHQWV Consider the situation when valve 1 and 2 were conducting initially. At W ., when valve 3 is ignited, the effective circuit is as shown in fig.1.10 with valve 1, 2 and conducting.
  • 60. Converter Analysis 43 )LJXUH (TXLYDOHQWFLUFXLWIRUWKUHHYDOYHFRQGXFWLRQ During this interval direct current is transferred from valve 1 to valve 3. Hence, at beginning (W .
  • 61. i1 or ia = ID and i3 or ib = 0 …………1.13 At end (W . /): i1 = 0 and i3 = ID …………1.14 1.3.3.2 Average Direct Current The mesh equation for the loop N31N can be given as The emf in this loop known as commutating EMF, which is ea – eb = ¥(PVLQW …………1.15 The sum of ia and ib during commutation equals direct current and equation 1.15 becomes ¥(PVLQW /C dib / dt = 2LC di3 / dt
  • 62. Converter Analysis 44 Integration during commutation period (from W . to W /) gives And finally inserting the boundary conditions in the LHS of the above equation, we get Id = ¥/CFRV.–FRV/
  • 63. …………1.16 Equation 1.14 shows that i3, the current in the incoming valve during commutation, consists of a constant (dc) term and a sinusoidal term which lags the commutation voltage by 900. And has a crest value which is that of the current in a line-to-line short circuit on the AC source. From this equation the extinction angle d (and ultimately the overlap angle ) can easily be determined for a given firing angle .. It also allows the calculation of the ideal maximum firing angle .MAX for which the commutation will succeed in a converter with ideal valves. Since For any angle / And ………… 1.17
  • 64. Converter Analysis 45 1.3.3.3 Average Direct Voltage During commutation the two impedances in the commutation loop act as a voltage divider that sets the potential of the positive converter terminal to the average of the two line voltages. It is only after the commutation that the terminal potential recovers to the voltage of the on-going phase. The consequence is that an area Aμ as shown in Fig. decreases the voltage/angle-area A derived in Eq. 1.17. This results in a voltage drop ¨Ud of the average direct voltage, …………1.18 …………1.19 Comparison of equation 3.17 and 3.20 shows that voltage drop is directly proportional to the DC current ¨8d Œ /C ID …………1.20 The total average direct voltage is thus given by = Udi0 cos.– RC Id ………... 1.21
  • 65. Converter Analysis 46 Where, RC Œ /C ‘RC’ is called the equivalent commutation resistance. It accounts for the voltage drop due to commutation. However, it is not a real ohmic resistance and thus consumes no active power. With Eq 1.21 the average direct voltage could also be written as = Udi0 FRV.FRV/
  • 66. …………1.22 1.3.3.4 Equivalent circuit of rectifier From the equation 1.22, equivalent circuit of the rectifier can be drawn as )LJXUH(TXLYDOHQWFLUFXLWREEULGJHUHFWLILHU 1.3.3.5 DC voltage waveforms )LJXUH'YROWDJHZDYHIRUPIRU.
  • 67. Converter Analysis 47 Figure 1.11 shows the waveforms of the voltage across the converter bridge VD. The valve voltage (not shown in figure) has various jumps that occur at the firing and the turning off of the valve. This voltage jumps results in extra losses in the damper circuit. 1.3.3.6 AC Current Magnitude and Phase Approximate analysis: Due to the overlap the ac currents are no longer rectangular blocks. Instead, their shape is that of a deformed trapezoidal Still, Eq.3.24 is a good approximation for the fundamental frequency component of the ac current: I1 = 2¥Œ ,d ……… ... 1.23 By assumption, the converter is lossless and therefore the ac active power must equal the dc power: 3/2 Em I1FRV3§8di0 Id FRV.FRV/
  • 68. ««« Where,3 denotes the angle by which fundamental component of the line current lags the applied voltage. On simplification, equation 1.24 gives, FRV3 §FRV.FRV/
  • 69. ……… ...1.25 another expression for the power factor FRV3can be given as FRV3 §8d / Udi0 §FRV.– Rc Id / Udio ………...1.26 shows that with increasing load the power factor decreases and accordingly the phase shift between the fundamental ac current and the ac voltage increases. Reactive power on the AC side may be found from 4 3DWDQ3 ………...1.27 Where, Eq.1.26 or 1.27 gives3. Of course, there is no reactive power on the DC side.
  • 70. Converter Analysis 48 1.3.4 Inversion 1.3.4.1 General Because the valves conduct in only one direction, the current in a converter cannot be reversed, and power reversal is obtained only by the reversal of average direct voltage VD. The voltage then opposes the current is called counter voltage. Ideally the inversion occurs in the region 900 . 0, but in practical case, there is always some overlap and the vaOXHRI.DWZKLFK inversion begins is given as: . Œ–/ Œ-@ …………1.28 Which is always less than 900. Moreover, /ought to be less than Œby at least an angle corresponding to the time required for the de-ionization of the arc, which is 1 – 80. Synchronous machines connected to AC side furnish the commutation voltage for the HVDC inverter. If the AC system receiving power from DC link has no generators, a synchronous condenser is used. Notations for Ignition and Extinction Angle In inverter theory, commoner practice is to define LJQLWLRQDQJOH and H[WLQFWLRQDQJOH by their advance with respect to the instant when the commutation voltage is zero and decreasing. Referring to figure 1.12 this parameters can be described.
  • 71. Converter Analysis 49 )LJXUH5HODWLRQVEHWZHHQFRQYHUWHUDQJOHV The relations among the several inverter angles are as follows: Œ– . ………..1.29(a) Œ–/ ………..1.29(b) /– . – ………..1.29(c) 1.3.4.2 Equivalent Circuit Equations for Average Direct Current and Voltage General equations 1.16 and 1.17can be changed to inverter equations by changing the sign of VD and putting FRV. –FRV and FRV/ –FRV, with these results ID = IS2FRV-FRV
  • 72. …………1.30 VD = VD0 [cos .FRV@ …………1.31 For constant ignition advance angle , equation 1.31 becomes VD = VD0FRV5C ID Because the inverters are commonly controlled so as to operate at constant current advanced angle it is useful to have relations between ID and VD for this condition. VD = VD0FRV– RC ID
  • 73. Converter Analysis 50 Under this condition, the equivalent commutation resistance is – RC and is negative. This is the reason why inverter is said to posses a negative commutation resistance. The equivalent circuit of the inverter is shown in the figure 1.14 )LJXUH(TXLYDOHQWLUFXLWVRI,QYHUWHU
  • 74. Converter Analysis 51 1.4 STEADY STATE EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT From the ongoing discussion, equivalent circuit of the for the steady state operation of two terminal DC link can be drawn as shown in fig 1.15. )LJXUH(TXLYDOHQWFLUFXLWRIWHUPLQDO'OLQN The effect of leakage reactance in producing drop of direct voltage is accounted for by the equivalent commutating resistance and subscripts ‘r’ and ‘i’ signifying rectifier and inverter.
  • 75. HVDC Control Chapter 2 HVDC CONTROL 2.1 INTRODUCTION A well known technical advantage of HVDC is it s inherent ability for control of transmitted power. The voltage across valve-bridge can be changed nearly instantaneously. The speed of response of the control is limited only by the maximum voltage available, the dynamics of the DC side circuit and the sped of change of power which the connected AC networks can stand The fact that the reactive power consumed by the HVCD converter is dependent on the values of the control angles means also that reactive power of the converter station and the AC network can be controlled and the AC voltage can be stabilized. This chapter covers the control fundamentals for the HVDC converter. Starting with the general discussion of control characteristics of the converter, the report deals with the different stages in control hierarchy. 2.2 PRINCIPLE OF DC LINK CONTROL By incorporating the equivalent circuit of the converter shown in figure 1.15, the direct current ID in the DC line can be given as ……………2.1 From the above equation it is clear that ID µ Voltage drop µ 1 / (total resistance)
  • 76. HVDC Control 53 Direct voltage and thus current ID can be controlled by control of internal voltage which then can be controlled by 1. Grid Controlling Grid control, delaying the ignition angle . (time .), reduces the internal voltage from the ideal no-load voltage VD0 by the factor FRV.. 2. Control of alternating voltage The alternating voltage is usually controlled be tap changing on the converter transformer. Grid control is rapid (1 to 10 ms), but tap changing is slow (5 to 6 seconds per step). Both these means of voltage control are applied cooperatively at each terminal. Grid control is used initially for rapid action and is followed by tap changing for restoring certain quantities (ignition angle in the rectifier or voltage in the inverter) to their normal values. 2.2.1 Desired features of control The following features are desirable: • Limitation of the maximum current so as to avoid damage to valves and other current carrying devices. • Limitation of the fluctuation of current due to the fluctuation of alternating voltage. • Keeping the power factor as high as possible. • Prevention of commutation failures of the inverter. • Prevention of arc back of the rectifier valves. • In multi-anode valves, providing a sufficient anode voltage before ignition occurs. • Controlling the power delivered or the frequency at one end. • Provided better voltage regulation.
  • 77. HVDC Control 54 There are four reasons for keeping the power factor high, two concerning the convertor itself and the other two concerning the ac system to which it is connected. The first reason is to keep the rated power of the converter as high as possible for given current and voltage rating of valves and transformer. The second reason is to reduce the stresses on the valves and damping circuits. The third reason is to minimize the required current rating and copper losses in the ac lines to the converter. The fourth reason is to minimize voltage drops at the ac terminal of the converter as its loading increases. The last two reasons apply to any large ac loads. The p.f. can be raised by adding shunt capacitor, if this is done , the disadvantages becomes the cost of the capacitors and switching them as the load on the converter varies. The p.f. of the converter itself is FRV3 §FRV.FRV.
  • 78.
  • 79. …………2.2 for rectifier and FRV3 §FRVFRV
  • 80.
  • 81. …………2.3 for an inverter. In a rectifier, we can make .= 0 for which FRV. = 1. In an inverter it is more difficult. In order to avoid a commutation failure, commutation must be completed before the commutating voltage reverses at , hence y must be greater than zero by some margin. Because of some inaccuracy in the computation of and a possibility of changes indirect current and alternating voltage even after commutation has began, sufficient commutation margin above the minimum angle required for de-ionization of the mercury arc must be allowed. The easy and safe way would be to choose a larger value of . This way lowers the power factor and raises the stresses on the valves.
  • 82. HVDC Control 55 2.3 V-I CHARACTERISTICS OF HVDC CONVERTERS 2.3.1 Individual characteristics of Rectifier and Inverter These are plotted in rectangular coordinates of direct current Id and direct voltage Vd. If the rectifier be equipped with constant-current regulator, ideal characteristics will be a vertical line AB, but in practice it has a high negative slope which can be shifted horizontally by adjusting current command. If the inverter be equipped with C.E.A. regulator, then inverter characteristics is a line with slightly negative slope (under the assumption that commutating resistance RC2 is somewhat higher than line resistance RL) given by VD = VD02FRV5l – RC2) * ID …………2.4 Operating point of the system is the point of intersection of rectifier and inverter characteristics. It may be said with fair accuracy that rectifier direct current and inverter controls direct voltage. But control of one parameter at one end affects both the current and voltage settings due to non ideal characteristics.
  • 83. HVDC Control 56 )LJXUHD
  • 86. HVDC Control 57 If the inverter voltage changes, rectifier voltage must be change by equal amount in order to keep current constant which can be done quickly by current regulator till . Rectifier voltage can be increased further only by taps on the rectifier transformer. 2.3.2 Combined Characteristics of Rectifier and Inverter In many dc transmission links each converter must function sometimes as a rectifier and other times as an inverter therefore each converter is given a combined characteristics consisting of three linear portions: C.I.A., C.C. and C.E.A. )LJXUHRQYHUWHUFRQWUROOHUFKDUDFWHULVWLFV
  • 87. HVDC Control 58 With the characteristics shown by solid lines, power is transmitted from converter-1 to converter-2 and with the characteristics shown by broken lines, direction of transmission is reversed by reversal of direct voltage with direction of current being the same. Usually the current setting of constant current characteristics of the two converter are separated by û,d called current margin to account to maintain positive margin in spite of errors in the current measurement and regulation as the operation of the two steep CC characteristics, with both current regulators would be highly unstable. There can be three modes of operation of the link (for the same direction of power flow) depending on the point of intersection of the two characteristics. 1. CC at rectifier and CEA at the inverter (normal mode of operation) 2. With the slight dip in the AC voltage, the point of intersection drift which implies minimum .at rectifier and minimum at inverter. 3. With the lower AC voltage at the rectifier, the mode of operation again shifts which implies CC at the inverter with minimum . at the rectifier. 2.4 BASIC CONTROL SYSTEM As the current order to the inverter is lower by the current margin that in the rectifier, current delivered by the rectifier is higher than demanded by the inverter, latter tries to counteract that by increasing and the counter emf VHWXSDJDLQVWWKHUHFWLILHUDQGLQYHUWHU.WHQGVWRUHDFKLWVmaximum value determined by the minimum commutation margin and the CFC will operate in another mode, the commutation margin control (CMC).
  • 88. HVDC Control 59 )LJXUH%DVLFFRQWURORI+9'FRQYHUWHU The next step in our study of the control of a converter is to examine in more detail how each of the three straight-line segments of the combined characteristics can be obtained 1. Constant minimum ignition angle 2. Constant current characteristics 3. Constant extinction angle 2.4.1 Firing Angle Control The objective of convertor firing control (CFC) system is to generate control pulses to all valves within the convertor in correct phase position and inside the interval. = .MIN to . = . MAX., The latter being determined by a minimum commutation margin limit. The output form the CFC is issued to a control pulse generator (CPG), which forms individual gate control pulse signals for all the valves within the convertor.
  • 89. HVDC Control 60 Types of firing control systems The firing angle control systems can be broadly referred into two categories: • Individual Phase Control In this, phase positions of gate control signals are determined VHSDUDWHOIRUHDFKYDOYHDQG.RUZLOOEHHTXDOHYHQLIWKH$ network is unbalanced. This scheme generates higher amount of harmonics. • Equidistance Pulse Control .-order in current control can be turned into a gate pulse signal in correct phase position by using a phase-controlled oscillator. Firing pulses are generated in steady state at equal interval of 1/pf through a ring counter. This removes the risk of harmonics. This is the control principle used in all modern HVDC systems. 2.4.2 Constant Minimum Ignition Angle Control Normally rectifier is operated at ‘Constant minimum ignition angle’ to minimize the reactive power requirement as it varies in direct proportion to ignition angle at rectifier side. To maintain a minimum delay angle say .0 following method is used. Voltage across each valve is measured, if it is found less than a pre-specified voltage say ¥9M Sin .0 the constant current control is prevented form igniting the valve. In practice, secondary voltage of control transformer is used rather than the voltage across the valve by any suitable arrangement. 2.4.3 Constant Current Control Under normal operation system is made to operate at constant current control setting of the rectifier end. In this mode short-circuit current are ideally limited to the value of the load current and in practice to about twice rated current
  • 90. HVDC Control 61 Constant-current control involves the following: 1. Measurement of direct current. 2. Comparison of direct current Id with the set (or reference) value IdS. 3. Amplification of difference IdS - Id called error. 4. Application of output signal of the amplifier to a phase-shift circuit that alters the ignition angle . in proper direction for reducing error. )LJXUH6FKHPDWLFGLDJUDPRIFRQVWDQWFXUUHQWUHJXODWRU If the measured current in a rectifier is less than the set current, .must be decreased in order to increase FRV. and thus raise the internal voltages of the rectifier VDO FRV . The difference between the internal voltages of rectifier and the inverter is thereby increased, and the direct current is increased proportionally. A decrease in . increases the algebraic internal voltage VDO FRV.This means that a same constant current controller can be used on a given converter without change of connections during both rectification and inversion. In practice, however, the same current setting is transmitted to both terminals of a DC line, and the current margin is subtracted from the current setting of the inverter; that is, the error signal for the inverter’s current regulator is 0 = IDS – ¨,D – ID
  • 91. HVDC Control 62 The current regulator is a simple kind of feedback amplifier characterized by gain and time constant. Its differential equation is …………2.5 Where, V = instantaneous voltage T = R2C = time constant K = gain of amplifier and phase shift circuit 0 (UURUVLJQDO 2.4.4 Constant Extinction-Angle Control Each inverter must be ignited at such a time that extinction occurs at a later time, which, how ever must be earlier by an adequate margin than the time when commutation voltage reverses. The easy and safe way is to FKRRVHDODUJHYDOXHRI7KLVZDKRZHYHUORZHUVWKHSRZHUIDFWRUDQG rises the stresses on the valve. The better way is to compute the firing angle UHTXLUHGWRREWDLQDFRQVWDQWH[WLQFWLRQDQJOH7KLVFDOFXODWLRQLVGRQH using a analog computer obtaining input from the AC side of inverter and current in the DC link. 2.5 MASTER CONTROL Master control generates the current order to be issued to the current control systems of both converter stations, from instance the power order set by the operator, and it includes control functions for modulation of the transmitted power when the HVDC link is used for stabilization of connected AC network. 2.6 HIGHER LEVEL CONTROLLERS The HVDC transmission can be used for stabilization of AC system by modulating the power flow in accordance with the variations in some AC
  • 92. HVDC Control 63 system quantities, usually frequency. The link can also be used to directly control the frequency of an AC network connected to one of the substation. 2.7 SYSTEM CONTROL HIRARCHY The control functions required for the HVDC link are performed using the hierarchical control structure shown in Fig. 2.5. The master controller for a bipole is located at one of the terminals and is provided with the power order (PREF) from the system controller (from energy control center). It also has other information such as AC voltage at the converter bus, DC voltage, etc. the master controller transmit the current order (IREF) to the pole control units, which in turn provide a firing angle order to the individual valve groups (converters). The valve group or converter control also oversees valve monitoring and firing logic through the optical interface; it also includes bypass pair selection logic, commutation failure protection, tap changer control, converter start/stop sequences, margin switching and valve protection circuits. )LJXUH+LHUDUFKLFDOFRQWUROVWUXFWXUHVIRUD'OLQN
  • 93. HVDC Control 64 2.8 REACTIVE POWER CONTROL 2.8.1 Introduction The converter in HVDC stations are line commutated, which implies that the current initiation in the valve can only be delayed with reference to the zero crossing of the converter bus AC voltage. This result in lagging power factor operation of the converters, requiring reactive power sources connected at the converter bus for better voltage control. Figure 2.6 shows the typical phase displacement of the line side current waveform phase with that of AC voltage with the firing angle as a parameter. )LJXUH5HODWLRQEHWZHHQLJQLWLRQGHODDQGSKDVHGLVSODFHPHQW
  • 94. HVDC Control 65 Figure 2.6 illustrates that fundamental line current lags the line to neutral source by an angle equal to its firing angle. Hence it is advised to keep the ignition angle low. Statistical data shows that at each converter station, reactive power requirement is around 60% of the active power transferred. 2.8.2 Reactive Power Requirement in Steady State 2.8.2.1 Conventional Control Strategies Under normal operation, a DC link is operated with current control at the rectifier side and minimum extinction angle control at the inverter. This method of control leads to minimum reactive power requirement at both ends. The equation for the reactive power as a function of the active power is conveniently expressed in terms of per unit quantities. Average bridge voltage across the converter bridge is given by VD = 9FRV.– RC*ID (for rectifier) …………2.6(a) VD = 9FRV– RC*ID (for inverter) …………2.6(b) Where, VD = voltage on DC side (in per unit value) ID = current on DC side (in per unit value) The power factor is given by RV3 §VD / 9
  • 95. FRV. – (RC*ID/V) …………2.7 The power and reactive power in per unit are given by the following equations: PD = V*IDFRV3 …………2.8(a) QD = V*IDVLQ3 …………2.8(b) Also, the power factor of the converter can be given by equation FRV3 FRV.FRV.
  • 97. HVDC Control 66 Thus, from the above equations, variation of reactive power demand with the active power demand as a function of firing angle can be shown as in figure 2.7 )LJXUH9DULDWLRQRI4'ZLWK3' From the figure, it is clear that • Under normal operation (.”0), reactive power at any station is around 0.6 times the rated active power. • Increase in firing angle .leads to sharp increase in reactive power demand with the increase in active power supplied, hence it is recommended to maintain low firing angles in steady state. However, too low values of .can result increased frequency of mode shifts and too low values of can result in increased incidence of the commutation failure. The reactive power is also affected by the magnitude of AC voltage. The reduction in V leads to increase in QD, however on-load tap changer can control V within limits.
  • 98. HVDC Control 67 2.8.2.2 Alternate Control Strategies The region of operation of a converter bridge is bounded by the limits on the DC current and firing angle. Neglecting minimum current limit, the operating region of a bridge in PD – QD plane is shown in fig. 2.8 )LJXUH2SHUDWLQJUHJLRQRIDEULGJHLQ3'4'SODQH Which is drawn for a constant (rated) AC voltage. This region is bounded by three regions: i. minimum . characteristics ii. minimum characteristics iii. constant rated DC current In general the locus for a constant DC current in part of a circle in the 3'4' plane and the constant DC voltage characteristic is a straight line passing through the origin. The operation at constant DC voltage implies constant power factor characteristics at the converter bus. At the rectifier, the characteristic is that of a load with lagging power factor, while at the inverter, this can be viewed as a generator with leading power factor operation.
  • 99. HVDC Control 68 )LJXUH6LPSOLILHGVVWHPGLDJUDPD
  • 101. LQYHUWHU This is shown from the analysis of a simplified system shown if Figure 4.10 In Fig 2.9 (a), the rectifier is shown as a constant (lagging) power factor load while Fig. 2.9 (b) is applicable to the inverter operation. The phasor diagram for both the cases are shown in Fig 2.10. )LJXUH3KDVRUGLDJUDPD
  • 103. LQYHUWHU It can be shown by the phasor diagram that 9 (FRV/3
  • 104. FRV3 …………2.10 Where, 3 is the power factor angle. The power expression is given by P = VEBVLQ/ …………2.11 Substituting Eq. 2.10 into Eq. 2.11, we get P = E2%FRV/3
  • 105. VLQ/FRV3 …………2.12 From the above equation, it can be shown that maximum power transfer is obtained when, / –3
  • 106. HVDC Control 69 The maximum power (for 3 0) is given by Pmax = 0.2887 E2 B …………2.13 This is much less than what can be obtained in the case with 3 -30 or V = E. To modify the power rating, the provision of a shunt capacitor (having succeptance, BC) at the converter bus results in the modification of the maximum power expression from equation 2.10 to 2.13 Pmax = 0.2887 E2 B / (1 – BC/B) …………2.14 The above analysis shows that there is a need to modify the reactive power characteristics of the converter station by either i. choice of reactive power sources ii. adjustment in the converter control characteristics When the DC link involves long distance transmission, the minimization of power losses in the line dictates operation at constant DC voltage and flexibility of converter operation is not feasible. However, with back-to-back links, the operation at constant voltage is not critical and alternate converter control strategies, as shown in Fig. 4.12 can be adopted. These are 1. Constant reactive power characteristics 2. Constant leading power factor characteristics )LJXUH$OWHUQDWHUHDFWLYHSRZHUFRQWUROVWUDWHJLHV
  • 107. HVDC Control 70 It is to be noted that by providing a constant reactive power source of QN at the converter bus, the characteristics ab or a’b results in unity power operation of the converter. Similarly, by providing reactive source of 2QN, the power factor angle is changed from 3to -3 2.8.3 SOURCES OF REACTIVE POWER The reactive power requirement of the converter are met by one or more of the following sources: • AC system • AC filters • Shunt Capacitors • Synchronous Condenser • Static VAR system These are shown schematically in Fig. 2.12 )LJXUH5HDFWLYHSRZHUVRXUFHVDWDFRQYHUWHUEXV The voltage regulation at the converter bus is desirable not only from the voltage control viewpoint but also from the minimization of loss and
  • 108. HVDC Control 71 stability considerations. This requires adjustable reactive power source, which can provide variable reactive power as demanded. 2.8.3.1 AC System Figure 2.13 shows the reactive power drawn by AC system at the inverter bus, as a function of PD. At low values of delivered power, reactive power supplied by AC system is positive while with the increase in PD it goes negative. )LJXUH5HDFWLYHSRZHUVXSSOLHGEWKH$VVWHP This value is more negative when the short circuit ratio (SCR) is lower for the same amount of power transfer PD. 2.8.3.2 AC Filters AC filters, that are provided at the converter bus for filtering out AC current harmonics, appears as a capacitors at the fundamental frequency and thus provide reactive power. These filters are mechanically switched and suffer from the inability of continuous control. Also they can cause low order resonance with the network impedance, resulting in harmonic overvoltages.
  • 109. HVDC Control 72 2.8.3.3 Shunt Capacitor For slow variation in load, switched capacitors or filters can provide some control, which may cause voltage flicker owing to discrete control, unless the size of unit, which is switched is made sufficiently small. 2.8.3.4 Synchronous Condenser Synchronous condenser provides continuous control of reactive power and can follow fast load changes. It has following advantages 1. The availability of voltage source for commutation at the inverter even if the connection to the AC system is temporarily interrupted. 2. Increase in SCR as the fault level is increased. 3. Better voltage regulation during a transient due to the maintenance of flux linkages in the rotor windings. But still there are some disadvantages to its part such as – (i) high maintenance and cost (ii) possibility of instability due to machine going out of synchronism. 2.8.3.4 Static VAR Systems (SVS) In HVDC converter station, the provision for SVS mainly helps to have fast control of reactive power flow, thereby controlling voltage fluctuations and also to overcome the problem of voltage instability. There are basically three types of SVS schemes: i) Variable impedance type SVS ii) Current source type SVS iii) Voltage source typr SVS The variable impedance type is most common in power system applications and will be described next.
  • 110. HVDC Control 73 Thyristor Controlled Reactor (TCR) )LJXUH6LQJOHSKDVHWKULVWRUFRQWUROOHGUHDFWRU Single phase TCR is shown in Fig. 2.14 By controlling firing angle of the back-to-back connected thyristor, the current in the reactor can be controlled. A TCR is usually operated with fixed capacitor (FC) to provide the variation of reactive power consumption form inductive to capacitive. The schematic FC-TCR is shown in Fig. 2.15. )LJXUH7KHVFKHPDWLFGLDJUDPRI)75
  • 111. HVDC Control 74 Thyristor Switched Capacitor Thyristor switching is faster than mechanical switching. A reactor is usually connected in series with the capacitor to reduce the rate of change of the inrush current. )LJXUH$VLQJOHSKDVH76
  • 112. Harmonics and Filters Chapter 3 HARMONICS AND FILTERS 3.1 INTRODUCTION HVDC converter introduces AC and DC harmonics that are injected into AC system and DC line side respectively. A converter of pulse number p generates harmonics principally of the order of h = p*q (on the DC side) …………3.1 And h = p*q ± 1 (on the AC side) …………3.2 Where, q is an integer. Most of the HVDC converters have pulse number 6 or 12 and thus produce the harmonics of the order given in table 3.1 Table 3.1 Orders of the Characteristics Harmonics The amplitude of the harmonics decrease with increasing order: the AC harmonic current of order h is less than I1/h where I1 is the amplitude of the fundamental current. There are several problems associated with the injection of harmonics and these are listed below:
  • 113. Harmonics and Filters 76 • Telephone interference • Extra power losses and consequent heating in machines and capacitance connected in the system. • Over voltage due to resonance. • Instability of converter control, primarily with individual phase control scheme of firing pulse generation. • Interference with ripple control system used in load management. AC filters are invariably used to filter out AC current harmonics which are critical. These filters are of band pass or high pass type and also supply reactive power. DC smoothing reactor along with DC filter perform the function of filtering DC harmonics. In addition to the harmonics, which cause telephone interference, the harmonics at the carrier and radio frequencies are also generated by the converter and may require suitable filters. Principal means of diminishing the harmonic output of converter are 1. Increase the pulse number 2. Installation of filters In general, converters with pulse number greater than 12 are not used as the complexity of operation and control overshadows the significant advantages of higher pulse number. It is also found that for HVDC converter use of filter is more economical than the use of higher pulse number (greater than 12). AC filters serves the dual purpose of diminishing the AC harmonics and supply reactive power at the fundamental frequency.
  • 114. Harmonics and Filters 77 3.2 GENERATION OF HARMONICS 3.2.1 Generation of Harmonics in AC Side The line current and phase voltage waveforms under the condition of no overlap are as shown in figure 3.1 )LJXUH/LQHFXUUHQWZDYHIRUP Line current waveform under the condition of no-overlap is the series of equally spaced rectangular pulses with alternately positive and negative value. 3.2.2 Generation of DC Harmonics on DC Side DC voltage waveforms contains ripple whose fundamental frequency is six times the supply frequency. )LJXUH/LQHFXUUHQWZDYHIRUP This voltage is analyzed in Fourier series and contains harmonics of the order of h h = n*p Where, p is the number of pulse and n is an integer. The rms value of the hth order harmonic can be given as Vh = Vd0 * ¥K2 – 1) Sin2.@1/2 / [h2 – 1] …………3.3
  • 115. Harmonics and Filters 78 Normally, a DC reactor of large inductance is used in the DC side so that the DC current is almost constant and can be considered free from ripples hence it can be said that on DC side there are voltage harmonics predominately while on AC side, current harmonics predominates. Besides these, some harmonics also occur owing to imbalance in the AC supply waveform, difference in firing angle etc. These harmonics can be categorized namely Characteristics Harmonics and Non- characteristics Harmonics 3.3 CHARACTERISTICS HARMONICS Characteristics harmonics are those which can e predicted by mathematical analysis and are generally predominate. These are present even under ideal operating conditions like balanced AC voltage, symmetrical three-phase network and equidistant pulses. Characteristics harmonics are those of orders given by equations 3.1 3.2. Assumptions: The following assumptions are made as bases for deriving the orders, magnitude and phases of the characteristics harmonics of a six-pulse converter: • The alternating voltage are three phase, sinusoidal, balanced, and of positive sequence. • The direct current is absolutely constant that is without ripple. Such current would be the consequence of having a dc reactor of infinite inductance. • The valves are ignited at equal times interval of one-sixth cycle that is, at constant delay angle measured from the zeros of the respective commutating voltage. By assumption 1, these zeros are equally spaced in time.
  • 116. Harmonics and Filters 79 • The commutation inductances are equal in the three phases. 3.3.1 Harmonics at No Overlap The wave shape of alternating voltage and currents confronting with the assumptions made above are equidistant rectangular pulses assuming that direct current has no harmonics, current waveforms for the primary side of converter transformer are drawn for an ignition delay of .without overlap ( = 0). 3.3.1.1 For six-pulse Converter The line current waveforms at no overlap are a series of equally space rectangular pulses, alternately negative and positive. Fourier analysis of such wave shape, for finding the characteristics harmonics can be carried out under the following steps: Consider the pulse of unit height and width w radian that is of duration w/ seconds. iA = (2¥p) IdFRVt – (1/5) cos 5t + (1/7) cos 7t – (1/11) cos 11t + (1/13) cost -….] …………3.4 The rms value of the hth order harmonic in DC voltage is given by equation 3.3. 3.3.1.2 For 12-pulse Converter A 12-pulse group in a HVDC converter is composed of two 6-pulse group fed from sets of valve side transformer winding having a phase shift of 300 between fundamental voltages. Since . is same for both 6-pulse group, the fundamental valve side currents have the same phase difference as the voltages, and fundamental network-side currents are in phase with one another. The schematic diagram for a 12-pulse converter unit is shown in figure 3.3
  • 117. Harmonics and Filters 80 )LJXUH6FKHPDWLFGLDJUDPRIDSXOVHFRQYHUWHU Neglecting overlap, the current in the primary side of star-star connected transformer (assuming turns ratio of 1:1) is given by the equation 3.5. Similarly, assuming that the delta-star connected transformer has turns ratio of ¥IA2 can be given as iA2 = (2¥p) IdFRVt + (1/5) cos 5t - (1/7) cos 7t – (1/11) cos 11t + (1/13) cost -.…] …………3.5 The current IA can be given by the summation of IA1 and IA2 or, IA = IA1 + IA2 IA = (4¥p) IdFRVt – (1/11) cos 11t + (1/13) cost – (1/23) cos 23 W
  • 118. FRVW«] …………3.6 From the above expression, it can be observed that I10 = (2¥Œ
  • 119. ,D Iho = I10 / h Where I10 and Ih0 are rms values of the fundamental component and harmonic of the order of ‘h’. The second subscript shows that the overlap angle is considered zero.
  • 120. Harmonics and Filters 81 The magnitude of the characteristics harmonics is also a function of the load current. This is shown in the Fig. 3.4 )LJXUH+DUPRQLFPDJQLWXGHVZLWKYDULDWLRQRI'FXUUHQW 3.3.2 AC and DC Harmonics with Overlap Because of overlap (owing to inductive nature of transformer winding and inductance of AC network seen through the converter) valve current in valve winding is distorted. )LJXUH$DQG'FXUUHQWZDYHIRUPXQGHURYHUODS Thus, expressions for the fundamental component of the AC current derived for the case with no overlap is not valid. The actual expression for the current can be derived from Fourier analysis and is given by I1 = [I11 2 + I12 2] ½ …………3.7
  • 121. Harmonics and Filters 82 Where, I11 = I1FRV3 ¥Œ,dFRV.FRV.
  • 122. /@ …………3.8 I12 = I1 VLQ3 ¥Œ,dVLQ.–VLQ/
  • 124. @ Where, 3 is the power factor and / . From the above expression, the power factor angle can be obtained as WDQ3 VLQ.–VLQ/
  • 126. …………3.10 The harmonic components in the AC current are also altered. These are reduced from the value calculated with no overlap. The expression can be given as Ih = Ih0 [A2 + B2 –$%FRV.
  • 128. ` K@ …………3.12(a) B = sin {(h –
  • 129. ` K– 1] …………3.12(b) / . The above expression is valid for ”0. For higher values of the overlap angle, the expression given by equation 3.10 can still be used if . and/are replaced by .¶¶ and/¶where, . .– 300¶ 0 and/¶ /0 Also, from the Fourier Analysis of DC voltage waveform, we can obtain Vh = Vh0 [C2 + D2 –'FRV.
  • 130. @ 1/2/ ¥2 …………3.13 Where, FRV^K
  • 131. ` K@ …………3.14(a) D = cos {(h –
  • 133. Harmonics and Filters 83 3.4 NON-CHARACTERISTICS HARMONICS The conditions postulated in the foregoing analysis of characteristics harmonics of a converter are never fulfilled in practice. Consequently, not only are the harmonics of characteristic order slightly changed from their theoretical magnitude and phases, but also – and more important – harmonics of non-characteristic order are also produced. Harmonics of low non-characteristic order are normally much smaller than those of adjacent characteristic harmonics in the converter itself. Filters are usually provided for low characteristic order. For high order, the magnitude of both characteristics and non- characteristic order are small and approximately the same. 3.4.1 Causes 1. Unbalanced three phase alternating voltage The time delay angle of a rectifier is usually measured from a zero of the commutating voltage. If the three phase AC voltages are unbalanced, their zeros are not equally spaced, and, consequently, valves are not fired at equal time intervals. 2. Jitter in the electronic circuitry of the current regulator Even with the balanced voltage, this may sometime cause variation in firing angles from their normal by 10 or 20. 3. High gain and short time constant in current regulator Combination of high gain and short time constant in current regulator may cause alternate early and late ignitions. 4. Inverters normally operate on CEA control, and unbalanced three-phase voltage can again lead to unequal timed firing.
  • 134. Harmonics and Filters 84 5. Interaction of harmonics with fundamental currents Interaction of characteristics harmonics with fundamental currents in non-linear elements of the power system, which produces sum and difference frequency harmonics is also suggested to be the cause of production of non-characteristics harmonics. 3.4.2 Amplification of non-characteristics harmonics The addition of harmonics to the fundamental three-phase voltage wave shifts the times of voltage from zeros from the zeros of the fundamental waves alone. These shift cause unequally spaced firings of the valves, which, in turn generates uncharacteristic AC harmonics. If any of these current harmonics meets a high impedance, significant voltage harmonics of like order and are produced. This particular harmonic is amplified by positive feedback. If the loop gain is high enough, a harmonic oscillation of increasing amplitude is produced: this is instability. 3.4.3 Consequences Uncharacteristic harmonics 1. Increase telephone interference, because it is not feasible to provide adequate filtering of each order of them, and 2. In some cases, causes instability of CC control. 3.5 TROUBLES CAUSED BY HARMONICS Troubles in the Converter and on the AC power System 1. Extra loss and heating in machine and capacitors 2. Overvoltage due to resonance 3. Interference with the ripple control unit 4. Instability of the constant current control of converters Troubles in the Telecommunication system 1. Noise on voice-frequency telephone lines
  • 135. Harmonics and Filters 85 3.6 MEANS OF REDUCING HARMONICS 3.6.1 Increased Pulse Number In low voltage high current rectifier, high pulse number have been used sometimes used, ranging from 24 to 108. This means of reducing harmonics is very effective as long as all valves are in service, but it requires complicated transformer connection. In HV high current converter for dc transmission, problems of insulation of the converter transformer to withstand high alternating voltage in combination with high direct voltage dictate simple transformer connection. A pulse number of 12 is easily obtained with simple connection of two six pulse valve groups, as we have seen and 24 pulse can be obtained with four six pulse groups by use of a phase shifting transformer bank in conjunction with two 12 pulse converter. The required phase shift is 15°. The effectiveness of 12 or 24-pulse converter in reducing harmonics is somewhat decreased when one valve group is out of service. The 12-pulse converter has some advantages over the six pulses converter even when one bridges is out of service though less than when all are in service. 3.6.2 Filters Any necessary reduction in harmonics outputs of the converter beyond that accomplished by increase of pulses number must be done by harmonics filter. Filters are almost always needed on the AC side of the converter and on the DC side also. The ac filters serves two purposes simultaneously: supplying reactive power of fundamental frequency in addition to reducing harmonics. The filter capacitors are required for supply of reactive power. Thus we are led to concept of the minimum filter, which is required for harmonics reduction only in installation where the reactive power required
  • 136. Harmonics and Filters 86 by the converter can be supplied by the ac system without reinforcing the later. A filter costing more than the minimum filter not only supplies additional reactive power but also generally gives better filtering. 3.7 HARMONIC FILTERS 3.7.1 Purpose The AC harmonics filters serves two purposes: (1) to reduce the harmonics voltage and current in the ac power network to acceptable levels and (2) to provide all or part of the reactive power consumed by the converter, the remaining being supplied by shunt capacitor banks, by synchronous condensers, or by the ac power system. The dc harmonics filters serve only to reduce harmonics on the dc line. 3.7.2 Classification The filters at a convertor station may be classified by their location, their manner of connection to the main circuit, their sharpness of tuning, the number and frequency of their resonance. 3.7.2.1 Location Filters are located on both ac and dc sides of convertor. Filter on the ac side may be connected either on the primary side of the convertor transformer or on the tertiary winding if one is provided for this purposes. Filters are never connected to the secondary winding. 3.7.2.2 Series or Shunt Harmonics may be A. impeded in passing from the convertor to the power network or line by a high series impedance or B. diverted by a low shunt impedance or C. Both.