Optimizing VSC set points for embedded HVDC power systems

Abstract

HVDC is an upcoming technology suitable for power transmission over long distances. It has the advantage of reduced cable costs, reduced transmission losses, increased transmission distance and control over transmitted power. For interconnections (connections between countries) the control is based on economic motives. However, for embedded connections (connections within an AC grid) this control gives possibilities for optimization. In this work we designed two optimization objectives for embedded HVDC connections: minimizing losses and minimizing power shortage in case of a connection failure. We designed an experimented with various optimization methods. We performed experiments on several networks with different sizes and different amounts of HVDC in them. Several of these optimization methods performed well. We reduced losses by 0.5-3.6%, which might be economically interesting. In case of a connection failure the power shortage could be reduced in 72.5% of cases. The shortage was improved by more than 10% in 41.3% of cases. This shows great potential for optimization in embedded HVDC systems.