Project Summary
High voltage direct current (HVDC) schemes are used in Great Britain (GB) power systems to facilitate flexible power flow and cross-border power exchange. New HVDC connections are in the pipeline to be installed in the GB system to carry clean and cheap renewables within the country and across the borders. In order to maximise their benefits and to ensure a safe and stable integration into the existing power grid, certain requirements are set-out by the operators, known as Grid Codes. HVDC schemes are required to meet these specifications under all operating conditions.
However, with the increased penetration of renewable resources, the network strength is declining in many regions of the GB system causing operational constraints to accommodate new HVDC connections. Stringent requirements are required and are foreseen to be imposed on HVDC schemes to address this situation, especially at electrically weak grid connection points.
On one hand, too negligent requirements may cause reliability or stability issues. However, on the other hand, too onerous requirements can prevent reaching energy policy and climate change targets. To address these scenarios, in this project we will investigate and test improved specifications and requirements for the operation and integration of HVDC schemes at different zones of GB system with respect to their power transfer capability under varying grid electrical strength.
The outcome of the project will be a set of guidelines for the recommended operational regions for a safe and stable HVDC interconnection without jeopardising the power system security and reliability. This will further enable a faster integration of low-carbon renewable resources from within the country and outside the GB system.
Key Outputs [Please click links below to access technical reports]
- Public Webinar on 20 March 2020: HVDC challenges in meeting current GB Grid Code in a weak network
- Executive Summary of Project and Deliverables
- Report I: Review of Grid Code Requirements for HVDC schemes connected to weak grids
- Report II: Simulation and Experimental Analysis of HVDC control and PLL performance across different grid strengths