Long Distance Bulk Power Transmission in both UHVAC and UHVDC

Dr. Peter Kirchesch

Vice President R&D AREVA T&D

FEAST Canberra/AUS

November 12 th, 2008

Content

UHVAC vs. UHVDC

Worldwide perspectives

Technological challenges

UHV

Definitions

UHV (Ultra High Voltage): >= 800 kV

American literature: UHV: 400 800 kV; EHV (Extra High Voltage): >= 800 kV

AC: Alternating Current

DC: Direct Current

UHV

Why UHV ?

Load centres are in many countries distant from natural resources (coal, water)

Need for bulk power transmission

Typical examples are China, India, Brazil

Power losses are inversely proportional to the square of the voltage

RightOf Way -aspects

UHV

Example: Population density China

Mengdong Coal base

io Transmiss
Shanxi Coal base

n corridor

10 %
Three gorges South West Hydro base

Tr a ns m
iss m ns ra T ion

iss ion co rrid or

90 %

or rid r co

UHV

AC versus DC

More an economical than a technical question

To consider:

Investment costs for equipment and lines (incl. ROW)

Capitalized value of losses

Outage costs

Conclusion:

UHVDC is economically more attactive for bulk power transmission (5000 MW and more) over long distances (2000 km).

For other parameters a case-by-case study is needed considering the specific situation of the customer

The war of currents is over

Nicola TESLA 1856 - 1943 AC

Thomas Alva EDISON 1847 1931 DC

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UHV

Content

UHVAC vs. UHVDC

Worldwide perspectives

Technological challenges

UHV

Example: UHVDC known prospects 600kV - 800kV

Russia - Europe multiple schemes 2015 onwards Irkutsk (Russia) -Beijing: 2015

Northern Lights 2014-2020

Chicken Neck multiple schemes 2012 - 2020

Rio Madeira 2014

Aysen-Sic 2012

In-service dates
WestCor 4 terminal North 2018

WestCor each 3 terminal South W 2012 South E 2013

Yunnan-Guangdong: 2009 Xiangliaba-Shanghai: 2011 Jingping-East China: 2012 Xiluodu-Hunan: 2014 Humeng-Shandong: 2015 Nuozhadu-Guangdong: 2015 Xiluodu-Hanzhou: 2015 Humeng-Tianjing: 2016 Jinsha River I-East China: 2016 Humeng-Liaoning: 2018 Jinsha River II-Fujian: 2018 Hami-Central China: 2018 Jinsha River II-East China: 2019
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UHV

Content

UHVAC vs. UHVDC

Worldwide perspectives

Technological challenges

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UHV

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Technological alternatives /AC Products

Two principle solutions:

a) GIS
GIS Power transformer

b) AIS
Disconnector

b1) with live tank circuit breaker

CBR/LT ITR/CT

b2) with dead tank circuit breaker

Voltage m.

Power transforme

CBR/DT
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UHV

HVDC converter station/main components

Converter switch

By-pass

Wall bushing

HVDC Valve

transformer

MRTB switch

Disconnector

u-i measurement

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UHV

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Arcing chamber development for circuit breakers

Challenges

Calculation methods

Material questions

Testing methods

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Power Transformers
Core & Windings - Optimum Single phase Three wound limbs Connection in parallel

T&D

Tank-mounted air-blast coolers

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UHV

Example (in operation): AC and DC lines

AC 230 kV 600 MW

DC +/-500 kV 4000 MW

Nelson River/CAN
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UHV

AREVA T&D

Thank you
UHV

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