Power Transmission and Distribution Solutions

2.2 High-Voltage Direct-Current Transmission

2.2.4 Ultra-HVDC Transmission (UHV DC) Bulk Power

UHV DC from Siemens is the answer to the increasing demand for bulk power transmission from remote power generation to large load centers. After having been awarded the contract in 2007, Siemens has successfully commissioned the worlds rst 800 kV UHV DC system with 5,000 MW in China Southern Power Grid in 2010 (g. 2.2-3). Technology The high DC voltage imposes extreme requirements to the insulation of the equipment and leads to huge physical dimensions (g. 2.2-4). The capability to withstand high electrical and mechanical stresses is thoroughly investigated during the design. All components are extensively tested to assure that they withstand most severe operating conditions and meet highest quality standards. The thyristor valves are equipped with either 5 or 6 thyristors depending on the transmission rating (g. 2.2-5). Applications UHV DC transmission is the solution for bulk power transmission of 5,000 MW or higher over some thousand kilometers. Compared to a 500 kV LCC HVDC system, the Siemens 800 kV UHV DC reduces line losses by approx. 60 % an important aspect with respect to CO2 reduction and operational cost. Special attention has to be paid to the corresponding AC networks that have to supply or absorb the high amounts of electric power. Power ratings The Siemens 800 kV HVDC systems are designed to transmit up to 7,200 MW over long distances.
Fig. 2.2-4: A 20.8 m long wall bushing is required in order to connect the 800 kV terminal of the indoor thyristor valves to the outdoor HVDC equipment and overhead line

2.2.5 HVDC PLUS One Step Ahead

VSC technology offers unique advantages for HVDC transmission which become more and more important for applications like connecting remote renewable energy sources, oil and gas platforms or mines to an existing grid. Using the latest modular IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) technology in a pioneering Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) design, Siemens engineers have developed HVDC PLUS as a landmark product in the evolution of HVDC transmission. The high power ratings available today make HVDC PLUS increasingly attractive also for projects where LCC HVDC could be used from a technical perspective. Features HVDC PLUS provides important technical and economical advantages compared to LCC: HVDC technology in the smallest possible space: An HVDC PLUS station does not require any lters (g. 2.2-6).
Fig. 2.2-5: UH voltage and power electronics the thyristor valves are designed to operate at 800 kV voltage level. YunnanGuangdong, China

1 2 n

+Ud /2

UAC

UAC 0

1 2 n

-Ud /2

Fig. 2.2-6: The HVDC PLUS multilevel converters achieve conversion between AC and DC virtually free from harmonics. The AC side converter terminal voltage is perfectly sinusoidal

Siemens Energy Sector Power Engineering Guide Edition 7.0

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