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Network Capacity - Feasibility Assessment of Onshore Multi-Terminal High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Systems in the UK


Citation TransGrid Solutions Inc. Network Capacity - Feasibility Assessment of Onshore Multi-Terminal High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Systems in the UK, ETI, 2011. https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000684.
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Author(s) TransGrid Solutions Inc.
Project partner(s) Mott MacDonald
Publisher ETI
DOI https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000684
Download ESD_EN2002_6.pdf document type
Abstract The UK’s electricity transmission and distribution systems have little spare capacity to accommodate the widespread changes in volume and location of power flows arising from planned changes in generation type and characteristics, and from major changes in demand patterns. Gaining consents for the construction of new overhead lines is extremely time-consuming and costly. Without action, this will increasingly constrain the necessary changes in generation and demand.

The ‘Network Capacity’ project has assessed the feasibility of using new technologies now emerging in the marketplace or in development, including multi-terminal HVDC systems, in novel ways in order to provide increased Transmission & Distribution system capacity and improved management of network power flows, in order to facilitate increased renewable energy installation levels in the UK.

This document reports the results of an initial review addressing the feasibility of deploying MT-HVDC systems into the UK transmission system, focusing on the practicalities of conversion of existing AC lines to HVDC, harmonic issues, DC cable technology and multi-terminal system control. It begins on page 11, and is structured as follows:
  • Section 2: The conversion process and the resulting harmonics generated at HVdc terminals, and filtering requirements and the relevant standards.
  • Section 3: Options, issues and experience with conversion of AC overhead linesto HVDC lines.
  • Section 4: HVDC cable technology
  • Section 5: Multi-terminal HVSC controls.
Associated Project(s) ETI-EN2002: Network Capacity
Associated Dataset(s) No associated datasets
Associated Publication(s)

An ETI Perspective - Low carbon challenges for UK energy networks

ETI Insights Report - UK Networks Transition Challenges - Electricity

ETI Insights Report - UK Networks Transition Challenges - Gas

ETI Insights Report - UK Networks Transition Challenges - Heat

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Enabling efficient networks for low carbon futures: Options for governance and regulation

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Network Capacity - Barriers to Deployment; and Environmental & Social Impacts of Deployment: WP1 Tasks 4 & 5

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Network Capacity - Final Project Summary (Work Packages 1 & 2 a.k.a. WP1 Task 8)

Network Capacity - One Page Summary

Network Capacity - Performance of Onshore Multi-Terminal HVDC: WP2 Tasks 2 & 3

Network Capacity - Request for Proposal

Network Capacity - Technology Options, Benefits & Barriers Workshop and Multi-Criteria Assessment: WP1 Tasks 6 & 7

Network Capacity - WP1 Task 1: Assessment of Power Electronic Technologies - A literature review of the relevant power electronic technologies

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