Towards interoperability in VSC-HVDC Networks

High voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission infrastructure plays a key role in enabling the integration of renewable energy sources (RES). Moreover, the grid of the future is expected to have a high penetration of power electronics interfaced devices (PEIDs), which play a fundamental part in the energy transition towards carbon neutrality. Voltage sourced converters (VSCs) are the preferred HVDC technology due to its cost-effectiveness together with its excellent controllability and power quality features. VSC-HVDC allows connecting and integrating geographically distributed RES by forming a multi-terminal dc (MTDC) network, with the aim of reducing infrastructure costs while maximizing the flexibility and reliability of the grid. Future MTDC networks may consist of a diversity of technologies and equipment developed by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). To attain a stable integration of different OEM technology, today’s efforts are to ensure interoperability of MTDC by design. This session discusses the important topic of interoperability in VSC-HVDC networks, with focus on the challenge of interoperability and standardization in MTDC, the status of relevant standards and grid codes, as well as relevant aspects of legal and cooperation framework. This session will connect Experts from the electric power industry as well as from other electrical engineering applications, e.g. transportation and railway, who would like to share their experiences and lessons learnt in the topics of standardization and interoperability.