Simulation of multi-terminal VSC HVDC system by means of Real Time Digital Simulation (RTDS)

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 October 2011

01 February 2014

28 months

£403,655

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

The objective is to simulate a multi terminal VSC HVDC link using RTDS in order to study its operation in the Electricity Transmission System. An RTDS is a powerful state of the art simulator that allows power system simulation of various power systems components in real-time speed. The use of an RTDS will allow for the technology to be modelled in significantly more detail and accuracy available via software solutions such as Power Factory, PSSE and PSCAD. RTDS systems are also capable of outputting analogue systems, which allows for the testing of legacy equipment such as protection relays. The simulation will fill the role of a phantom trial in accordance with National Grids policy for the introduction of new technology. The work aims to demonstrate that a multi-terminal VSC HVDC system as proposed is feasible, technical limitations in terms of application, and areas of future research needed. The work will also be used to inform risk registers and specifications. Further to the primary objective, there is an added benefit of developing the UK research capability in the field of HVDC. It is the aim of the industry and academia to establish significant expertise in HVDC in the UK in order to ensure that the rapid extension of complex HVDC systems across the UK & Europe occurs as smoothly as possible. This project supports that aim, and will be followed by further proposals in the future. The project will be successful if: We demonstrate the use of Multi Terminal VSC HVDC using RTDS.

In July 2009, the three Great Britain Transmission license holders supported by a project working group, published their report to the Electricity Network Strategy Group (ENSG) on the strategic reinforcements required to facilitate connection of the generation mix to the GB transmission networks by 2020. The report presents generation and demand scenarios consistent with EU target for 15% of energy to be produced from renewable sources by 2020 and identifies and evaluates a range of potential electricity transmission network solutions that would be required to accommodate these scenarios. Among the options currently under consideration is the use of a multi-terminal HVDC link to provide additional capacity across transmission boundaries in the onshore transmission system and potentially to be used in the connection of offshore generation. Such a multi-terminal HVDC link might prove to be the most overall economic and efficient solution available when wider developments are taken into account. The problem is that we have never had a multi-terminal HVDC system installed, and no means of testing within National Grid. This method is the most effective for providing a realistic simulation of the HVDC system. Research The project proposes the following methodology: - Commissioning of two real time digital simulator racks- Production of a complete Multi Terminal (4 terminal) MMC VSC HVDC modelNote : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

11/12/18