Power Transmission

System
Dr Zayed Huneiti
Transmission line
Transmission line : It is a conductive medium
consisting of two or more conductors through
which electrical energy is transmitted from one
place to another.
In short; Transmission lines are pathways for
transmitting electrical power or electrical
signal. Normally, transmission lines consist of
electrical wires (made of copper or aluminium)
carrying current and holding some voltage.
Purpose of Power Transmission System
The purpose of the electric transmission system is
the interconnection of the electric energy
producing power plants or generating stations
with the loads. A three-phase AC system is used
for most transmission lines. The operating
frequency is 60 Hz in the U.S. and 50 Hz in Europe,
Australia, and part of Asia. The three-phase
system has three phase conductors. The system
voltage is defined as the rms voltage between the
conductors, also called line-to-line voltage. The
voltage between the phase conductor and ground,
called line-to-ground voltage, is equal to the line-
to-line voltage divided by the square root of
 Definition of Power
Transmission

Redundancy
Transmission system is redundant; this means
power can be routed from any power plant to any
load centre through a variety of routes, based on
Kirchhoff laws.
 Transmission Lines and Cables
Transmission lines and cables are conductor that are
usually made of:
Transmission Lines and Cables
Are transmission line insulated?
Insulation or Isolation
Insulation or Isolation
Choosing the Cable
Choosing the Cable
ACCR Cable
Example
 Some Types of Cables
 AAAC All Aluminum Alloy Conductor
 AAC All Aluminum Conductor
 AACSR Aluminum Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced
 ACCR Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced
 ACAR Aluminum Conductor Alloy Reinforced
 ACCC/TW Aluminum Conductor, Composite Core, Trapezoidal Wire
 ACSR Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced
 ACSS Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported
 ACSR/AW Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced/Aluminum Clad
Steel Reinforced
 ACSR/SD Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced/Self Damping
 ACSR/TW Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced/Trapezoidal Wire
 AWAC Aluminum Clad Steel, Aluminum Conductor
Bundled Conductors in Transmission
Lines

Why using bundled conductors in transmission Lines?

Necessity of bundled conductors in EHV
transmission line
Primarily used to reduce the potential gradient on the surface of the conductors
so that occurrence of Corona can be reduced.
• As an advantage we get less Inductance more capacitance less radio
interference, reduced value of surge impedance and hence more power carrying
capacity of the line.
• Bundled conductors are primarily employed to reduce the corona loss and radio
interference. However they have several advantages:
• Bundled conductors per phase reduces the voltage gradient in the vicinity of the
line. Thus reduces the possibility of the corona discharge. (Corona effect will be
observed when the air medium present between the phases charged up and
start to ionize and acts as a conducting medium. This is a voided by employing
bundled conductors).
• Improvement in the transmission efficiency as loss due to corona effect is
countered.
• Bundled conductor lines will have higher capacitance to neutral in comparison
with single lines. Thus they will have higher charging currents which helps in
improving the power factor.
Bundled Conductors in Transmission
Lines

Advantages: Reduced corona loss due to larger

cross-sectional area; reduced interference with
telecommunication systems; improved voltage
regulation.
Grounded Wire

What is the grounded wire?

Grounded Wire
Grounded Wire
 Transmission Lines
Transmission line is one of the major
components of power system. Transmission
line takes power from generators.
As mentioned before, its main function is to
transport electrical energy , with minimal
losses, from the power sources to load
centers.
 Transmission Lines and Cables
As mentioned before, there two types of transmission lines:
• Overhead lines
• Cables
Underground cables.
Submarine cables

In overhead transmission lines, the conductors are

suspended from a pole or a tower via insulators.

Cable lines are designed to be placed underground or under

water. The conductors are insulated from one another and
surrounded by protective sheath. Cable lines are usually
more expensive and harder to maintain. They also have
 Construction of underground Cable
An underground cable essentially
consists of one or more conductors
covered with suitable insulation and
surrounded by a protecting cover.
Bedding
Over the metallic sheath is applied a
layer of bedding which consists of
fibrous material like jute or hessian
tape.
The purpose of bedding is to protect
the metallic sheath against corrosion
and from mechanical injury due to
armoring.
Armoring
Over the bedding, armoring is provided
which consist of one or two layers of
galvanized steel wire or steel tape.
Its purpose is to protect the cable from
mechanical injuries while laying it or
handling it. Armoring may not be done
in the case of some cables.
Serving
In order to protect armoring from
atmospheric conditions, a layer of
fibrous material like jute similar to
bedding is provided over the armoring.
This is known as serving.
 Overhead Power Line Types
An overhead transmission line usually consists of three conductors
or bundles of conductors containing the three phases of the power
system. The conductors are usually aluminum cable steel
reinforced (ACSR), which are steel core (for strength) and
aluminum wires (having low resistance) wrapped around the core.
The conductors used in modern overhead power transmission
lines are bare aluminum conductors, which are classified as:
AAC: all-aluminum conductor.
AAAC: all-aluminum-alloy conductor.
ACSR: aluminum conductor steel reinforced.
ACAR: aluminum conductor alloy reinforced .
Transmission System
Transmission systems are often divided into two parts
namely: Primary transmission and Secondary
transmission. Both transmission systems are connected
through two substations: the sending end substation and
the receiving end substation.

Primary transmission:
High voltages of the order of 66 kV 132 kV 220 kV and 400
kV are used for transmitting power by 3 phase 3 wire
overhead system. This is supplied to substations usually
outside of major distribution center or city.
Secondary transmission:
The primary voltage is reduced to low values of the order
of 3.3 kV, 11 kV or 33 kV for secondary transmission.
Secondary transmission. The primary transmission line
terminates at the receiving station (RS) which usually lies
at the outskirts of the city. At the receiving station, the
voltage is reduced to 33kV by step-down transformers.
From this station, electric power is transmitted at 33kV by
3-phase, 3-wire overhead system to various sub-stations
(SS) located at the strategic points in the city. This forms
the secondary transmission
 Primary Transmission System
The primary transmission system transmits a huge amount of electrical energy
from generating station to receiving end substation with the assistance of electric
lines.
The high voltage transmission line interconnects the generating station, sending
end substation and receiving end substation.
The substation which is situated near the power plant is called "Sending end
substation." The sending end substation receives generated voltage from
generating station, directly without stepping up. At the sending end substation,
a step-up transformer is installed to increase the generated AC voltage to an
enormous quantity and send it to the receiving end substation.
At the primary transmission, line voltages are often transmitted at 110 KV, 132 KV,
220 KV, 400 KV, or 765 KV. This is a 3 phase, 3 wire system.
 Secondary Transmission System
The transmission line which transmits the step-down voltage (33 KV
etc.,) from the receiving end substation to the secondary
substation is called a Secondary transmission line. This is also a 3
phase 3 wire system.

The Receiving end substation was installed with a step-down

transformer. The step-down transformer decreases the high voltage
and sends the voltage to the secondary substation through the
transmission line. The step-down transformer rating may differ
according to power generation and distribution.
Different Types Of Transmission
Systems
1.Single phase AC system
1. single phase, two wires
2. single phase, two wires with midpoint earthed
3. single phase, three wires
2.Two phase AC system
1. two-phase, three wires
2. two-phase, four wires
3.Three phase AC system
1. three-phase, three wires
2. three-phase, four wires
4.DC system
1. DC two wires
2. DC two wires with midpoint earthed
3. DC three wires
 Why EHVAC Transmission?
With the increase in the transmission voltage,
the size of conductors can be reduced (the
cross section of conductors can be reduced as
the current required to carry is less).
Because of the reduction in current carrying
requirement, losses are reduced which results
in better efficiency.
Due to low current, voltage drop will be less
so voltage regulation improves.
 Why EHVAC Transmission?

Reduced line losses.

High transmission efficiency.
Improved voltage regulation.
Flexibility for future system growth.
Increase in transmission capacity of the line.
 Pursuing Higher Voltage Levels
World’s Highest
World’s longest Voltage level – Test station
multi-terminal Charged in Oct.’12
HVDC to harness renewable
Hydro Power from North-east
765kV D/C
Voltage - AC
(kV) 1200kV
800kV
765kV HVDC

500kV
HVDC
400kV
220kV

1977 1990 2000 2002 2012 2017-18

Year
AC and DC Transmissions
The electrical power can be transmitted
either by using AC transmission system or
DC transmission system. Each transmission
system has its own advantages and
disadvantages.
It is, therefore, necessary to discuss the
technical advantages and disadvantages of
the two systems for transmission of electric
power.
 HVDC Transmission Systems
Electric power transmission was originally developed with
direct current. The availability of transformers and the
development and improvement of induction motors at the
beginning of the 20th century, led to the use of AC
transmission. DC Transmission now became practical when
long distances were to be covered or where cables were
required. Thyristors were applied to DC transmission and
solid state valves became a reality. With the fast
development of converters (rectifiers and inverters) at higher
voltages and larger currents, DC transmission has become a
major factor in the planning of the power transmission.
Today, the highest functional DC voltage for DC transmission
is +/- 600kV. D.C transmission is now an integral part of the
delivery of electricity in many countries throughout the
world.
Overhead Transmission Lines for
HVDC
A DC line needs only two main conductors, while an
AC line needs three, and DC electrical losses are
lower. HVDC converter stations do cost more than
the AC terminal stations, so a certain distance is
required in order for an HVDC system to make
economic sense.

Long distance HVDC applications using overhead lines

are found around the world, in the USA, Canada,
Brazil, China and India.
 Implementing +800kV HVDC Bipole Link

 World’s longest multi-

terminal ±800 kV
HVDC under
Biswanath
implementation from Agra Chariali
Biswanath Chariali, 2000 km
North-Eastern Region
to Agra, Northern
Region.

 Shall transmit power

to the tune of 6000-
8000 MW.
Comparison of AC and DC
Transmission
The merits of the two modes of transmission
(AC & DC) should be compared based on the
following factors:
1. Economics of transmission
2. Technical Performance
3. Reliability
 Economics of Transmission
Cost of HVDC and HVAC Links with 5 GW Capacity
Cost of 5 GW Overhead Link

4500
4000
3500

Investment [M€]
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
Distance [km]

1150 kV HVAC ± 800 kV HVDC

HVDC High Voltage Direct Current

HVAC High Voltage Alternating Current
 Break-Even Distance
The cost of the rectifier and inverter
stations for AC/DC and DC/AC
conversion, which are not required
in HVAC cases, significantly add to
the overall HVDC transmission cost,
therefore providing a break-even
distance for both technologies after
which DC transmission becomes
economically preferable. The break-
even distance, as shown in the
figure, varies between ~300 km and
~800 km for overhead lines and ~50
km to ~100 km for
offshore/underground cable links.
This variation relates to individual
project conditions (e.g., MW/kV
rating, transmission terrain and
local policies). Meanwhile, the
HVDC transmission system over
long distance has remarkable
technical and economic advantages
compared to the HVAC system.
 Cost of Losses
The figure shows a typical cost
comparison curve between AC and DC
transmission considering:

 AC vs. DC station terminal costs.

 AC vs. DC line costs.
 AC vs. DC capitalized value of
losses.
Technical Performance
Power Transfer Capability Vs
Distance

Surge Impedance Loading (SIL) is the most important parameter for

determining the maximum loading capacity (MW loading) of
transmission lines. Before understanding SIL in detail, at first we have to
understand the concept of Surge and Surge impedance (Zs) and its
physical significance.
Voltage Control

Surge Impedance Loading

(SIL) is defined as the maximum load
(at unity power factor) that can
delivered by the transmission line when
the loads terminates with the value
equal to surge impedance (Zs) of line.
Simply if any line terminates with surge
impedance then the corresponding
loading in MW is known as Surge
Impedance loading (SIL).
 Voltage Control
Voltage control in AC lines is complicated by line charging and
voltage drops. The voltage profile in an AC line is relatively flat
only for a fixed level of power transfer corresponding to its
Surge Impedance Loading (SIL). The voltage profile varies with
the line loading. For constant voltage at the line ends, the
midpoint voltage is reduced for line loadings higher than SIL
and increased for loadings less than SIL. The maintenance of
constant voltage at the two ends requires reactive power
control as the line loading is increased. The reactive power
requirements increase with line length. Although DC converter
stations require reactive power related to the power
transmitted, the DC line itself does not require any reactive
power. The steady-state charging currents in AC cables pose
serious problems and make the break-even distance for cable
transmission around 50kms
 Voltage Profile
A flat voltage profile means that the voltage magnitude at any point along the
transmission line is the same.
The voltage profile is important because:
1. It describes how voltage magnitude changes along the transmission line.
2. It facilitates the determination of the stresses across insulators along the
line.
3. It tells the points where maximum voltage may occur, which enable to
check if it’s safe for insulators at this point or not.
A flat voltage profile is the best and it indicates that the voltage magnitude is
the same all the way along the transmission line. A flat voltage profile means a
flat line and means equal stresses across all insulators along the line. It’s the
optimal case to aim to achieve, but due to different loading conditions, it
cannot be attained.
Note that voltage profile is the relation between Voltage
Magnitude and Distance, it tells how the voltage magnitude changes by
changing the distance you are at.
The following profiles assume no compensation at receiving end:
 No Load or Light Load Conditions
At no load or light loading conditions (<SIL), the voltage
profile looks like:
 Heavy Load Conditions
At heavy loading conditions (>SIL), the voltage profile looks
like:
 Flat Profile
The optimum case, flat profile (=SIL):
 Surge Impedance and Loading Power
Surge impedance loading (SIL) is a
quantity used by system
operators as a benchmark to
determine if a transmission line is
acting as a capacitance that
injects reactive power (VARs) into
the system or as an inductance that
consumes VARs, thus contributing
to reactive power losses in the
system. SIL is measured in terms
of real power (MW).

SIL is a measure of the amount of real power that On highly loaded transmission lines, the SIL is
would exist in a transmission line where the line most often less than power flow meaning that
neither produces nor consumes VARs. By comparing the system operator must provide VARs to
the SIL to the actual real power flow, it can be support voltage. SIL is calculated as the square
determined whether a line is consuming or producing of transmission voltage divided by the line’s
VARs: surge impedance:
 Typical SIL Values
Surge impedance loading of underground cables is
about 40 Ω
Surge impedance loading of overhead transmission lines
is about 400Ω

Example
Calculate the surge impedance loading (SIL) of a lossless
400kV three phase 50 Hz overhead transmission line of
average surge impedance of 400Ω.
Solution of Example
 Profiles with Compensation

Using compensation and fixing the voltage at

receiving end to be the same as sending end,
in this case, the profiles will be:
 Light Load Conditions
At light loading conditions (<SIL)
 Heavy Load Conditions
At heavy loading conditions (>SIL)
 Flat Profile
The optimum case, flat profile (=SIL):
Voltage Profile of Transmission Line Based
on SIL
1.If the line loading is equal to SIL, line has flat voltage profile.
2.If the line loading is greater than SIL, line acts as inductor.
3.If the line loading is less than SIL, line acts as capacitor.
Condition for Obtaining Flat Voltage Profile
To obtain the flat voltage profile, the following should be satisfied:
1. At first, the sending/receiving end voltages should be fixed at the
same value, this is done using any method of voltage control at
both ends.
2. Load your transmission line with surge impedance load (as if you
connect Zc as a virtual load).
When these 2 conditions are satisfied, the voltage magnitude at any
point along the transmission line will be the same.
Technically speaking, with these two conditions the line will be neutral
and all inductive VArs required will be supplied by the line capacitance.
Also, holding the voltage at both ends at the same value will force the
line to carry only active power. The line will carry PSIL only, this is
equivalent to a line terminated by a resistive load. In fact, the load at
receiving end can be active plus reactive, but reactive not supplied over
the line that is loaded with its SIL. This is why the line can be viewed as
virtually terminated with resistive load, while in reality it is not.
 The Need for Line
Compensation
AC transmission lines and cables are a vital element of any
AC power network. They are used to transfer electrical
power from the power generating stations to the
distribution system, which then supplies the electrical
power to the consumers.
One of the main effects is that a significant voltage drop
occurs at the receiver end of AC transmission lines. This
voltage drop must be continually compensated in order to
maintain the receiver voltage within acceptable ranges.
This is commonly achieved using capacitors and inductor
banks connected in parallel to the line. When an AC
transmission line is particularly long, substations
containing parallel connected compensation devices must
be added at regular intervals along the line.
 Objective of Line
Compensation
The objectives of line compensation are invariably to
1. Increase the power-transmission capacity of the line.
2. Keep the voltage profile of the line along its length within
acceptable bounds to ensure the quality of supply to the
connected customers as well as to minimize the line
insulation costs.
Because reactive-power compensation influences the power-
transmission capacity of the connected line, controlled
compensation can be used to improve the system stability (by
changing the maximum power-transmission capacity), as well
as to provide it with positive damping. Like other system
components, reactive-power compensators are dimensioned,
and their types are selected on the basis of both their technical
and cost effectiveness.
 Line Compensation
Line compensation is necessary for long distance AC transmission
to overcome the problems of line charging and stability
limitations. The increase in power transfer and voltage control is
possible through the use of shunt inductors, series capacitors,
Static Var Compensators (SVCs) and, lately, the new generation
Static Compensators (STATCOMs).
A static VAR compensator (SVC) is a set of electrical devices for
providing fast-acting reactive power on high-voltage electricity
transmission networks.

In an AC line transmission, it is necessary to provide shunt

compensation at regular intervals (approximately 30-35km). This is
a serious problem in underwater cables.

In the case of DC lines, such compensation is not needed.

Problems of AC Interconnection
 Ground Impedance
In AC transmission, the existence of ground (zero sequence)
current cannot be permitted in steady-state due to the high
magnitude of ground impedance which will not only affect
efficient power transfer, but also result in telephonic
interference. The ground impedance is negligible for DC
currents and a DC link can operate using one conductor with
ground return (monopolar operation). The ground return is
objectionable only when buried metallic structures (such as
pipes) are present and are subject to corrosion with DC
current flow. While operating in the monopolar mode, the AC
network feeding the DC converter station operates with
balanced voltages and currents. Hence, single pole operation
of DC transmission systems is possible for extended period,
while in AC transmission, single phase operation (or any
unbalanced operation) is not feasible for more than a second.
Reliability
Comparison of AC-DC transmission
 Economics of transmission:
When HVAC and HVDC are compared economically, three cost components are
encountered:
The terminal cost
The line cost
The losses cost
The total cost is divided into two as the cost to establish the infrastructure and the
cost to run the system when it becomes functional
 Evaluation of Technical Considerations:
Stability limits
Voltage Control
Line Compensation
Problems of AC interconnection
Ground Impedance
Problems of DC transmission
 Reliability
Energy availability
Transient reliability
Basics of HVDC Transmission Operation
 Taken from a 3-phase AC network

 Converted to DC in a converter station

 Transmitted by DC line or cable (underground or submarine)

 Converted back to AC in another converter station

 Injected into AC network

Principle of HVDC Transmission System
The HVDC transmission system mainly consists of
converter stations where conversions from AC to DC
(rectifier station) are performed at sending end and at
the receiving end the DC power is inverted into AC
power using an inverter station. Hence, the converter
stations are the major component of the HVDC
transmission system.
 Working Principle of HVDC Transmission
In the HVDC station, the converter transformer steps-up the generated
AC voltages to the required level. The converter station takes the
electric power from the three-phase AC network and rectifies it to DC,
which is then transmitted through overhead lines (or cables). At the
receiving end of the converter station, an inverter converts the DC
voltage back to AC, which is stepped down to the distribution voltage
levels at various consumer ends. The figure below illustrates the DC
power transmission process. This technology is suitable for
transmitting rated power range between 100-10,000MW.
 Disadvantages of HVAC Transmission Systems
 Inductive and capacitive elements of
overhead lines and cables put limits to
the transmission capacity and the
transmission distance.
 Depending on the required
transmission capacity the achievable
transmission distance for an AC cable
will be in the range of 40 to 100 km. It
will mainly be limited by the charging
current.
 Direct connection between two AC systems with different frequencies
is not possible
 Direct connection between two AC systems with the same frequency or
a new connection within a meshed grid may be impossible because of
system instability, too high short-circuit levels or undesirable power
flow scenarios.
Advantages of HVDC
 Advantages of HVDC Systems
 Major advantage of flexibility in power exchange in comparison
with HVAC
 Fast control of power flow – practically independently
from frequency, voltage or angle at terminal buses
 Fast change of direction of transmitted power – due to
inherent properties of the electronic equipment in
converters
 Controllable – power injected where needed,
supplemental control, frequency control
 Bypass congested circuits – no inadvertent flow
 Lower losses
 Reactive power demand limited to terminals independent of
distances Comparison 6000MW ‐ HVDC vs. HVAC
 Narrow Right-of-Way (RoW) –
 land coverage and the associated right-of-way cost for an
HVDC overhead transmission line is smaller,
 reduced visual impact
 higher power transmission capacity for same RoW
 no Electromagnetic field (EMF) constraints
 Cost Comparison HVDC vs. HVAC
 HVDC has a higher installation cost due to the converter
stations and filtering requirement
 The cost of an HVDC line is less than the cost of an AC line.
Long AC lines are more expensive due to shunt and series
compensation requirements
 Disadvantages of DC
Transmission
The scope of application of DC transmission is limited by:
1. High cost of conversion equipment.
2. Inability to use transformers to alter voltage levels.
3. Generation of harmonics.
4. Requirement of reactive power and
5. Complexity of controls.
Over the years, there have been significant advances in DC
technology, which have tried to overcome the disadvantages listed
above except for (2). These are
6. Increase in the ratings of a thyristor cell that makes up a valve.
7. Modular construction of thyristor valves.
8. Twelve-pulse (and higher) operation of converters.
9. Use of forced commutation.
10. Application of digital electronics and fiber optics in the control of
TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION OF HVDC
HVDC transmission systems have many advantages in terms of cost and
transmission losses against HVAC systems as far as long-distance transmission
line is concerned:
 Simple and smaller transmission towers.
 Narrower right of way.
 Requires only one-third of the isolated conductor sets as double-circuit AC
lines.
 Operated independently of each conductor circuit.
 No charge current exists in steady state.
 Less loss since there is no skin effect.
 No reactive compensation required.
 Distances are not limited to stability.
 Short circuit current is very low.
 It does not contribute to the short circuit current of an AC system.
 For underground or submarine cables, there are no physical restrictions that
limit the distance or power level.
 HVDC Transmission System (HVDC
station)
The HVDC system uses DC for power transmission over a long distance. HVDC
transmission system is classified into the following functional blocks as shown in
the figure below.
• Converter transformer to step up the AC voltage.
• Converter station for AC to DC conversion (rectifier).
• DC Transmission lines.
• Converter station to convert (overhead or underground) back DC to AC
(inverter).
• Converter Transformer to stepdown the AC voltage.
Construction of HVDC Transmission System

In particular, the working

principle of HVDC
transmission system is
based on the conversion
of alternating current
(produced by generators
of electricity) to DC power
using the AC/DC
converter (inverter), the
transmission of direct
current over long
distances, and finally
conversion (converting)
DC in AC power using the
DC/AC converter
(inverter) to voltage levels
that require electricity
consumers
Components of HVDC Transmission System

The main components of HVDC transmission system taking

into account the used conversion technique, the rated DC
voltage and the power ratings are:
1. Converter unit.
2. Converter transformer.
3. AC filters & Capacitor banks.
4. DC filters.
5. Reactive Power source.
6. Smoothing Reactor.
7. Electrode Lines
Components of HVDC Transmission System
 Functions of the Components of HVDC Transmission
System
The components of the HVDC Transmission system and its function are
explained below.
Converters: The AC to DC and DC to AC conversion are done by the converters.
It includes transformers and valve bridges.
Smoothing Reactors: Each pole consist of smoothing reactors which are made
of inductors connected in series with the pole. It is used to avoid commutation
failures occurring in inverters, reduces harmonics and avoids discontinuation of
current for loads.
Electrodes: They are actually conductors which are used to connect the system
to the earth.
Harmonic Filters: It is used to minimize the harmonics in voltage and current of
the converters used.
DC Lines: It can be cables or overhead lines.
Reactive Power Supplies: The reactive power used by the converters could be
more than 50% of the total transferred active power. So the shunt capacitors
provide this reactive power.
AC Circuit Breakers: The fault in the transformer is cleared by the circuit
breakers. It also used to disconnect the DC link.
Comparison of AC and DC right of way (ROW)
ROW size varies between AC and DC line. In particular, this difference creates a
significant discrepancy in costs when crossing densely populated areas with high
land value. There is a safe ROW distances. For the same power capacity, DC ROW
can be half the width of AC as illustrated in the figure below.
Right of Way (ROW) Requirements

Right -of-way
requirement for
6,000 MW with two
DC lines vs. five 500
kV AC lines
 HVDC Links
HVDC Systems: Current- & Voltage- Link
CURRENT LINK HVDC link is a connection between
two AC grids in order to transmit
very high power at different
frequencies. It is also used to solve
stability problems in AC grids. HVDC
links are typically used for
connecting two asynchronous, non-
embedded AC systems and for long-
distance bulk power transmission
using both overhead land lines and
VOLTAGE LINK
submarine cables.
High-voltage direct current (HVDC)
technology offers more efficient bulk
power transfer over long distances
compared to AC transmission system
 Types of HVDC Systems

There are five types of HVDC links that are

used for power transmission:
1. Monopolar HVDC Transmission System
2. Bipolar HVDC Transmission System
3. Homopolar HVDC Transmission System
4. Back to Back Coupling System
5. Multi-Terminal HVDC System.
 Classification of HVDC transmission system
1. Monopolar Link: In the monopolar configuration, two converters are
connected by a single pole line and a positive or a negative DC voltage
is used, as shown in the figure. A monopolar link has only one conductor,
with ground or sea as a return path. Generally, the conductor has a negative
polarity with respect to the earth.

ADVANTAGES:
• The corona effect in a DC line is less because of the negative polarity.
• Less conductor material is required as ground is used as the return
path.
• Less insulation cost.
Monopolar Link with a Metallic
Return
Usually, a monopolar link uses a single conductor with negative
polarity in order to reduce corona and interference. Earth or
water is used as the return path. However, a metallic conductor is
used as a return path when earth resistivity is very high. The
power and current flows only in one direction. For monopolar
transmission systems, the rated current is from 200A to 1000A.
The below figure represents the mono-polar HVDC link with a
metallic return.
Classification of HVDC transmission system
2. Bipolar links: have two conductors, one at the positive potential and the other
at the negative (same magnitude) with respect to the ground. At each terminal,
two identical sets of converters are connected in series, on the DC side. The
midpoints of converters station are earthed via an electrode. The voltage between
the conductors is equal to two times the voltage between either of the conductors
and the earth.

Advantages: DISADVANTAGES:
• Power transmitting capacity is doubled • Terminal equipment cost is high.
when compared to monopolar link. • More conductor material is
• If a fault occurs in one conductor, half required.
power can be transmitted through other. • Corona loss is high.
 Classification of HVDC transmission system
3. Homopolar link: has two or more conductors, all having the same
polarity, and ground is used as the return path.
ADVANTAGES:
• Corona effect is less in negative polarity DISADVANTAGES:
conductors. • Ground return path causes corrosion
• Less conductor material is required because of buried metallic structures.
ground is used as the return path. • Causes disturbance in underground
• We can avoid power interruption due to faults communication cables.
by transmitting power through other conductors.
• Reliability is high.
• Insulation costs are low.
 Classification of HVDC transmission system
4. Back to back system: there is no DC transmission line. Two AC systems interconnected through
the converter substation. Such type of tie link makes the asynchronous interconnection of two
nearby AC system possible. That is, this type is the common configuration for connecting two
adjacent asynchronous AC systems. The two converter stations are located at the same site and
transmission line or cable is not needed. A block diagram of a back-to-back system is shown in the
figure below. The two AC systems interconnected may have the same or different nominal
frequencies.
Classification of HVDC transmission system
5. Multi-terminal DC (MTDC) System: A multi-terminal HVDC transmission system is
used to connect multiple AC systems or separate an entire AC system into multiple
isolated subsystems. In a multi-terminal HVDC transmission system, converter
stations can be connected in series or in parallel as shown in the figures below. this
type of HVDC configuration uses multiple transmission lines to connect more than
two points. There are multiple terminal stations each with their own converter
connected by the HVDC transmission line network. Some of these converters
operate as rectifiers while others act as inverters. The power supplied by the
rectifier’s combination is equal to the combined power received by the inverter
(load) stations.

Series MTDC Type Parallel MTDC Type

HVAC and HVDC Transmission Technologies:
Overall Comparison
HVAC and HVDC Transmission Technologies:
Overall Comparison
Vision of HVDC Transmission systems
The increasing prevalence of HVDC transmission line systems in the world is due to
their technical, economical and environmentally superior features compared to
HVAC. Considering the past, present and future of HVDC, it is predicted that its
technological, economic and environmental superiorities will come to the fore
respectively (as shown in the Figure below).