Optimization of the Operation of an HVDC Transmission System by an Overlaid Master Control

Abstract:
High-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission lines based on self-commutated converters add highly efficient transport capability to transmission grids. With regard to availability and resilience, master-slave-free multiterminal operation without explicit communication is highly advantageous, at least as a fall-back option. It operates on the basis of a DC droop characteristic. As a consequence, all converter stations operate individually in all conceivable situations. A targeted optimization of energy flow with regard to, e.g., overall efficiency of energy transmission is very restricted. This paper discusses the addition of a communication to a central controller “master control” which then implements a model-based optimization. The previously develop droop-based remains active with modified parameters, returning to the original parameters in case of communication failure as fall-back option.