Comprehensive Overview on HVDC Converter Transformer Design: Additional Discussions to the IEC/IEEE 60076-57-129 Standard

Abstract

HVDC has been chosen as an economical and technical solution for power transmission through long distances, asynchronous interconnections and long submarine cables crossing. Despite DC transmission benefits to power systems, the converters non-linearity produces undesirable effects to the converter transformer in service, mainly listed in the technical standard IEC/IEEE 60076-57-129. However, additional discussions and complementary information can be found in a plurality of references, which are brought in the article under a comprehensive overview perspective. Some design solutions deal with these effects increasing the technical margins, which have direct influence on manufacturing costs and transformer reliability and availability levels. This article goes through the main topics pointed by the standard and the references, investigating their consequences in the converter transformer operation, in order to provide a comprehensive tutorial on design solutions and considerations to deal with those undesirable effects. HVDC, transformer, standard, design. INDEX TERMS

Multi-Objective Design Optimization for HVDC-LCC Converter Transformers: Analytical and FEA-Based Comparison

“…The HVDC system influences the transformer design by several effects intrinsic to the converters switching or to the system operation, which are widely described in the references [2] and [3]. The AC-DC-AC current conversion results in current harmonics that, for LCC application, will circulate directly through the transformer windings.…”

“…The converter transformer design must take into account several undesired effects related to the converters' non-linear operation, HVDC system voltage variation and loading, DC bias effect [10], noise level, and electric field distribution, a deeper study can be found in the references [2] and [3]. For losses calculation, the main effect to be considered in the design is the load losses increase due to the harmonic spectrum generated by the converters' operation.…”

Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of HVDC Development in Pakistan: A Scientometric Analysis Based Comprehensive Review

“…Compared to HVAC transmission, HVDC transmission requires fewer cables/conductors and uses the full transmission capacity of the lines up to their rated thermal limits. This minimizes the necessary cross-sectional area for DC cables and, as a result, the transmission cost [19], [20], [21]. Furthermore, the minimum horizontal land space clearance, also known as Right-of-Way (ROW), for HVDC transmission is significantly less than for HVAC transmission for overhead and underground bulk power transmission alternatives [22].…”