Uprate by Conversion of HVAC to HVDC: Benefits, Configurations, and Considerations

The transmission of power can be limited by thermal rating, voltage levels and stability of the system. Converting of lines from HVAC to HVDC operation is one solution that can increase the transmission capacity, particularly in networks where transfer is limited by voltages or stability. In this paper, the author has presented a review of critical issues in the conversion of transmission lines from HVAC operation to HVDC. The issues addressed included the benefits of conversion to HVDC, additional equipment needed to implement the conversion, potential schemes for converting HVAC lines to HVDC, and considerations to be made when a conversion is envisaged.