HVAC/HVDC strategy for solving power delivery shortages to a localised area of a national grid

Abstract

The industrial and population growth can cause power delivery problems to a localised area of a national grid. One reason for these power shortages is the insufficient current carrying capacity of existing HVAC transmission line supplying the area. Parallel HVAC line, a HVDC line or combinations of HVAC-HVDC lines are three possible solutions to improve power delivery. This paper investigates the various line possibilities using a cutting edge time domain software tool. The contribution of this work is the development of a strategy (flowchart) involving individual or combinations of HVAC and/or HVDC transmission lines taking into account important decision making factors. Simulation based case studies are conducted as part of the strategy and the results are verified. These results together with the decision making factors are then used to demonstrate that an integrated HVAC-HVDC system could be the chosen solution. The developed strategy is shown to be an effective planning tool.