HVAC 39187-21. RES - TS - 3.24.90 - I1

National Grid - Internal and Contract Specific Protection & Control for HVDC systems
Technical Specification TS3.24.90 (RES) - Issue 1 - October 2014
PROTECTION & CONTROL FOR HVDC SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE AND SCOPE .......................................................................................................................1

PART 1 - FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS.....................................................1
1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................1
2 PROTECTION FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................3
3 CONTROL FUNCTIONS ..........................................................................................................18
4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS.........................................................................................29
5 FORMS AND RECORDS ..........................................................................................................29
PART 2 - DEFINITIONS AND DOCUMENT HISTORY .......................................................................30
6 DEFINITIONS ...........................................................................................................................30
7 AMENDMENTS RECORD ........................................................................................................30
PART 3 - GUIDANCE NOTES AND APPENDICES ............................................................................31
8 REFERENCES .........................................................................................................................31
APPENDIX A - FUNCTION INTEGRATION TABLE ............................................................................32
APPENDIX B - AN EXAMPLE OF AN HVDC SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT ..........................................36
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This document describes the technical requirements for User’s equipment directly connected to the
England and Wales Transmission system within NGET’s (National Grid Electricity Transmission)
busbar protection zone. Nominal voltages of 400 kV, 275 kV, 132 kV and 66 kV apply unless
otherwise agreed with the user as defined in the Bilateral agreement. This shall include all protection
and control devices operating NGET Switchgear.The principles of this document also applies to the
equipment connected at other voltages”.
The functional and performance requirements for the protection and control of HVDC systems are
covered. It is applicable for point to point HVDC links with both Current Sourced Converters (CSC)
and Voltage Sourced Converters (VSC). An example of an HVDC system arrangement is shown in
the Appendix B. It includes AC busbar(s), Harmonic filter(s), Converter Transformer(s), Pole(s),
Converter(s), DC busbar(s)/link(s), DC filter(s) as well as DC Neutral.
PART 1 - FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Informative: This is a generic specification based on a bipole HVDC application. Each of the
protection and control functions specified in this document may be called up and applied
separately as appropriate and necessary to achieve the overall desired system for other
application scenarios.
1.1 General
Each HVDC converter station shall be equipped with a control and protection system
designed to operate satisfactorily under normal as well as abnormal conditions.
The control system shall be designed to permit transmission of power in both directions. The
design shall assure that there are no harmful interactions between the HVDC transmission
system and the AC network which may adversely affect either the HVDC converter
protection system or the AC network protection system or other users of the transmission
system. The HVDC transmission system shall be stable in all situations and the system shall
be self-protecting with and without the inter-station telecommunication in service. The control
and protection system for the two converter stations shall be identical as far as possible. The
Contractor is responsible for finding an optimised control strategy to ensure a robust system.
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Where a bipolar system is used for an HVDC system, each of the two poles shall be able to
operate independent of the other pole in monopolar operation configuration for the case of
an outage of one converter or scheduled maintenance and repair work on one of the
converters. The same control functions as available for the whole bipolar system shall be
available also in monopolar operation mode.
The control and protection system shall have full redundancy in all vital parts. The protection
for a HVDC converter station shall comprise protection functions for AC busbar(s), Harmonic
filter(s), Converter transformer(s), Pole(s)/Converter(s) as well as DC busbar(s)/line(s), DC
Neutral, and DC filter(s). The protections shall detect and clear faults and faulty equipment
within an HVDC system to protect stability of the GB transmission network as well as the
HVDC system.
The control functions for an HVDC system shall include despatch control, operational control
as well as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) functions.
Informative: Despatch control concerns link transfer, ramping set points, control mode
selection, Power Oscillation Damping (POD) and SSR control selection. Operational control
concerns manual switching of individual AC or DC plant items at an HVDC converter station.
The HVDC facility shall be divided into a number of separately protected and overlapping
zones as illustrated in Figure 1 of Appendix B. A protection function shall only act upon a
specific type of fault within a designated zone and shall be stable to other types of
disturbances or faults external to the relevant zone.
Every protective zone shall be protected by two main protection functions (preferably using a
different protection principle) and one back-up protection function. Where different protection
principles cannot be used, duplicated protections shall be used.
The protections shall be as independent as possible from the control system and, such that
control failure shall not limit the functionality of these protections, and vice versa. Each of
these protection systems shall always remain active and shall be powered by separate,
independent power supplies.
Where protection and control functions are integrated within a same Intelligent Electronic
Device (IED), the design shall satisfy the requirements for normal operations, maintenance
as well as failure modes. Supplier(s) shall declare the integration arrangement in Table 1 of
Appendix A (form TS 3.23.90.A).
All the protection and control functions for a HVDC system shall be co-ordinated with those
ones for the interfacing feeder(s) and rest of connected AC network as appropriate, including
but not limited to AC protection schemes, Tripping and Intertripping arrangement,
Operational Tripping Schemes (OTS), Converter blocking sequence, Delay Auto Re-close
(DAR) schemes, over-loading requirements etc.
The converter station design, CT characteristics and protection system shall be designed in
such way that the AC protection of the converter and adjacent AC substations are not
affected by the normal, transient and dynamic behaviour of the DC system.
The protection and control system for a HVDC converter station shall be designed to ensure
that no single failure of equipment shall cause the total failure of an HVDC system.
It shall be possible to repair, maintain and test the pole on outage whilst maintaining
unhindered normal operation of the remaining pole.
Isolation facilities shall be provided to allow on-line maintenance of the redundant control &
protection equipment/system.

1.2 Engineering Interface
Engineering interface shall be provided with HVDC protection and control system for the
setting configuration, commissioning, diagnostic and other engineering purposes.
Software/Firmware version shall be clearly identifiable within the interface.
Auditoria shall be provided for version changes of configuration within the engineering
interface.
1.3 Hardware and Accommodations
All the hardware, cubicles and other General Arrangements associated with the required
functions in this specification shall comply with the relevant electrical, environmental and
ancillary requirements in TS3.24.15 (RES), TS 2.19 (RES) as well as EATS48-4.
2 PROTECTION FUNCTIONS
2.1 AC Busbar Zone Protection
2.1.1 Double Busbar Arrangement
For HVDC systems connected to double busbar substations, the busbar protection shall be
provided in accordance with TS 3.24.34 (RES).
On operation, busbar protection shall
a) Initiate converter blocking sequence
b) Trip the Main CB(s) at AC substation.
c) Initiate CBF protection where appropriate.
d) Be selectable to initiate DTT to the remote end(s) of the circuit.
Informative: The specific tripping scheme to clear busbar faults may vary depending upon
the topology of converter stations.
2.1.2 Mesh Corner Arrangement-
For HVDC systems connected to mesh substations, Mesh Corner(MC) protection shall be
provided. On operation, mesh corner protection shall
b) Trip the associated CBs.
d) Lockout MCDAR where appropriate.
e) Be selectable to initiate DTT to the remote end(s) of the circuits connected to the
same corner.
2.2 Converter Transformer Zone Protection
Where applicable, protection shall be provided to cover the connection between converter
transformer(s) and converter(s).

2.2.1 Tapping Sequence Protection
Converter transformer tapping sequence shall be monitored to ensure correct operation of

on load tap changers. When a fault is detected, the protection shall
a) Trip tap-changer MCB(s)
b) Generate an alarm
c) Block converter as necessary
2.3 DC Converter/Pole Zone Protection
DC Converter/Pole protection shall independently oversee the system and ensure equipment
safety. For each converter/Pole there shall be two independent DC protection systems,
Main1 and Main 2.
2.3.1 Asymmetry Protection
Asymmetry Protection shall be provided to detect persistent presence of fundamental and

2nd harmonic voltages or current between the DC terminals of the pole.
When the magnitude of the RMS voltage (fundamental and second harmonic frequencies)
exceeds preset thresholds the protection shall operate with an inverse time characteristic in
two stages:
a) Stage 1: As soon as a fault is detected an alarm shall be initiated.
b) Stage 2: If the fault persists, the pole shall be taken out of service.
2.3.2 Pole Differential Protection
Pole DC Differential Protection shall be provided to detect ground faults on the DC side of
the converter.
On operation, the protection shall take the pole out of service by
b) Trip associated AC CBs necessary
c) Generate an alarm
d) Isolate Line and Neutral
Informative: This protection shall co-ordinate with DC line protection 0 as a ground fault on
the HVDC bus may also operate the DC line protection. This protection shall block before the
DC line protection initiate a restart.
Pole DC Differential Protection shall have two levels of sensitivity settings, at the lower level
the delay time is longer (at typically 30ms). If the mismatch exceeds the higher level the
protection shall act faster (the delay before operating is brought down to typically 3ms).
Informative: The delay is introduced to avoid spurious triggering if the protection detects
mismatches during energisation caused by charging currents.

2.3.3 DC Overcurrent
DC Overcurrent shall be provided to detect overcurrent in the HVDC link and take the pole
out of service if a fault is detected.
On operation, the protection shall;
c) Trip Associated AC CBs necessary
d) Line and Neutral isolation as appropriate
The protection shall have an inverse definite minimum time (IDMT) characteristic
2.3.4 AC>DC Differential
AC>DC Differential protection shall be provided to detect a valve short circuit, other phase-
to-phase short circuits which give rise to high AC currents and low DC currents and in
response take the pole out of service.
On operation, the Protection shall
c) trip Associated AC CBs necessary
2.3.5 DC>AC Differential
DC>AC Differential shall be detected to detect converter failures and if the fault persists take
the pole out of service.
Informative: This is the opposite of the AC > DC Differential above. In this case the sense of
the difference indicates a converter failure where DC current flow bypasses the AC
connections. This protection needs to be co-ordinated with AC system protections as well as
the asymmetry protection.
2.3.6 AC Overcurrent
AC Overcurrent protection shall be provided to detect overcurrents in any of the valve

winding connections which can result from phase to phase valve connection faults or control
failure and initiate protective actions on detection. The protection shall contain both two
stages and inverse characteristics selectable for an application.

The protection shall have an inverse definite minimum time characteristic (IDMT).
2.3.7 AC Overvoltage Line Side
AC Overvoltage Line Side Protection shall be provided to detect overvoltage in the line
winding side that could stress the equipment. It shall take the pole out of service if persistent
AC overvoltage is detected.
Informative: Overvoltage is tolerated for a certain time, depending on the voltage level, - if
the overvoltage is removed within this time then the protection does not operate. If the
overvoltage persists, or if the overvoltage is removed but recurs within the cooling period
allowed, then the protection operates.
The equipment is required to be protected for AC system voltage excursions beyond the
specified range resulting from a system disturbance. The overvoltage protection
characteristic is defined here based on the equipment capability.
The line side overvoltage characteristic is based on the worst case of the converter
transformer overfluxing in the event of overvoltage. The converter transformer overfluxing
characteristic associated with the maximum tap at full frequency (50 Hz) is selected as it
encompasses the requirement of all the equipment connected to the line terminal.
The operation of this protection shall be coordinated with the tap changer control and the tap
limit protection to allow for normal operation. Provision shall also be made so that the
settings do not give rise to unnecessary alarms and tripping due to permanent AC network
voltage changes or switching actions.
2.3.8 AC Overvoltage Valve Side
AC Overvoltage Valve Side protection shall be provided to detect overvoltage in the valve
winding side that could stress the equipment. It shall take the pole out of service if persistent
AC overvoltage is detected.
Informative: The voltage is measured on the line winding side of the converter transformer
and calculated for the valve winding using the measured tap position.
Overvoltage is tolerated for a certain time, depending on the voltage level, - if the
overvoltage is removed within this time then the protection does not operate. If the

overvoltage persists, or if the overvoltage is removed but recurs within the cooling period
allowed, then the protection operates.
The equipment is required to be protected for AC system voltage excursions beyond the
specified range resulting from a system disturbance. The overvoltage protection
characteristic is defined here based on the equipment capability.
For the transformer valve winding side overvoltage protection, the characteristic with respect
to time is defined by the valve surge arrester capability, followed by the expected voltage on
the eventual tripping of the AC filters and the consequent protective tap-changer lowering of
the converter transformer.
The operation of this protection shall be coordinated with the tap changer control and the tap
limit protection to allow for normal operation. Provision shall also be made so that the
settings do not give raise to unnecessary alarms and tripping due to permanent AC network
voltage changes and switching actions (such as Line and shunt reactor switching).
2.3.9 AC Undervoltage
AC Undervoltage protection shall be provided to monitor the line-to-line AC system voltage.

If the AC undervoltage persists for a fixed period of time, the protection shall block and/or trip
the pole.
On operation, the Protection shall produce
a) Inform relevant control functions such as Valve Base Electronics
b) Initiate converter blocking sequence
c) Trip associated AC CBs as necessary
d) Generate an alarm
Informative: The voltage is measured on the line winding side of the converter transformer
and calculated for the valve winding using the measured tap position.
If any valve winding line voltage falls below the set level and remains below it for longer than
a definite time, an indication to the control system that the AC voltages are too low to
maintain the charge on the Valve unit power supplies is sent.
Following restoration of the voltage level, the control system shall be held for a predefined
period to allow time for the gate unit to be fully charged. If the converter is de-blocked, it
produces block and trip after a fixed delay when undervoltage is detected.
2.3.10 DC Undercurrent Protection
DC Undercurrent Protection shall be provided to prevent prolonged operation of either a

rectifier or inverter operating into an open circuit, i.e., when one side fails to de-block.
When the DC current goes below a preset value for a preset time, then the DC current
protection shall

2.3.11 Tap Limits Protection
Tap Limits Protection shall be provided to prevent long-term voltage stress that may cause
harm to the equipment, e.g. over-excitation of the converter transformer.
a) Generate an alarm
b) Inhibit tapping to increase voltage
c) Force tapping to Lower voltage
Informative: Valve line side voltages are measured and compared with pre-set thresholds.
For moderate voltage stress, the control is inhibited from raising the tapchanger position. For
severe voltage stress the tapchanger is forced to tap down to acceptable levels. The
overfluxing of the converter transformer is frequency dependent. The settings of this
protection shall not interfere with normal tap changer control.
2.3.12 Thermal Protection
Protection shall be provided to prevent valve temperatures to exceed the thermal limits.
b) trip associated AC CBs necessary
c) Apply Full Cooling as appropriate
2.4 Neutral Zone Protection
The following protections shall be used to detect and clear faults and faulty equipment on the
DC neutral.
2.4.1 Common Neutral Area Protection
Common Neutral Area Protection shall be provided to detect a short circuit in common
neutral area including the electrode line. The protection covers the common neutral bus
between the poles and the electrode line area outside of the pole differential protection or
filter protection zones.
d) Initiate NBGS sequence as appropriate
Informative: In the case of monopole operation, the protection will block the pole. In the case
of bipole operation, the protection action is to introduce a pre-trip level which will close the
Neutral Bus Grounding switch (NBGS) when a neutral area earth fault is detected. If the
earth fault is caused by a flash over to ground, by providing a parallel low impedance path to

ground, the fault current can be diverted allowing the earth fault to extinguish. In doing so,
the scheme may continue to operate without resorting to tripping both poles. Control action is
used to balance the currents of the two poles to minimise the current to station ground. If the
fault is cleared, the operator can then decide to open the NBGS to disconnect the temporary
station ground. For persistent common neutral area faults, the protection shall initiate a
converter blocking sequence to block both poles.
2.4.2 Neutral Bus Overvoltage Protection
Neutral Bus Overvoltage Protection shall be provided to detect DC overvoltage on the

neutral bus.
c) Alarm
d) Initiate Neutral Bus Grounding Switch sequence
The neutral voltage shall be compared against preset threshold levels to determine the
integral operating time which has a logarithmic time characteristic, with definite minimum
time (DMT), and IDMT sections.
Informative: For single pole operation NBGS is closed on detection of a fault. For bipole
operation, it checks if the other pole has also found this fault and if so it will close the NBGS.
2.4.3 Neutral Bus Grounding Switch (NBGS) Protection
NBGS Protection shall be provided to protect the neutral bus grounding switch from failure to
open.
The NBGS current shall be measured and compared with a preset threshold. The protection
shall operate when its threshold is exceeded after a preset period of time.
b) Issue close command to the NBGS
2.4.4 Neutral Bus Switch Protection
Neutral Bus Switch Protection shall be provided to protect the neutral bus switch from failure
to open.
The neutral bus switch current shall be measured and compared with a preset threshold.
The threshold is exceeded for a preset period of time, the Protection shall
b) Issue close command to the NBGS

2.4.5 Electrode Line Fault Detector
Electrode Line Fault Detector shall be provided to detect faults on Electrode line.
On operation, the Protection shall produce alarm “Electrode Line Fault”
2.4.6 Neutral Current Unbalance
Neutral Current Unbalance protection shall be provided to monitor the “spill” current from
each pole, measured by DC CT and provide protection action on detection of the failure of
the bipole current balancing or a main circuit fault.
On operation, the Protection shall produce Alarm “Neutral Current Unbalance”
The operating time shall be determined by an inverse response with a definite minimum time
(IDMT) characteristics. There shall be an operating level below which the protection will not
operate.
2.4.7 Metallic Return Earth Fault Protection
Where applicable, Metallic Return Earth Fault Protection shall be provided to detect faults in
the DC metallic return.
The function may be achieved by monitoring the earth return or electrode line current in two
stages:
a) Stage 1: generate alarm only if the current is above a preset threshold;
b) Stage 2: Initiate converter blocking sequence if the current is above a higher

threshold.
2.4.8 Metallic Return Transfer Breaker (MRTB) Protection
Where applicable, the Metallic Return Transfer Breaker (MRTB) Protection shall be provided
to protect against failure of the MRTB to commutate current from the ground return to the
metallic return.
The metallic return transfer breaker current shall be measured and compared to a preset
threshold. When the threshold is exceeded for a preset period of time, the Protection shall
produce
a) Generate alarm
b) Re-close the MRTB
2.4.9 Ground Return Transfer Switch Protection
Where applicable, the Ground Return Transfer Switch (GRTS) Protection shall be provided
to protect against failure of the GRTS to commutate current from the metallic return to the
ground return.
The ground return transfer switch current shall be measured and compared with a preset
threshold. When the threshold is exceeded for a preset period of time, the Protection shall
b) Issue close command to the GRTS.

2.4.10 NBGS Overcurrent
NBGS Overcurrent protection shall be provided with IDMT characteristic to detect

overcurrent in NBGS.
2.4.11 Electrode Line Balance Protection
Electrode Line Balance Protection shall be used in a scheme where the electrode line has
two conductors. This protection detects mismatch between the two electrode line conductors
DC current signals measured by DC CTs.
On operation, the Protection shall produce Alarm “Electrode Line Unbalance”.
2.4.12 Electrode Line Overload
Electrode Line Overload protection shall be provided IDMT characteristics with to detect
overload in one of the electrode line conductors. Sudden trip of one of the parallel electrode
lines may cause overload on the other line.
On operation, the Protection shall produce Alarm “Electrode Line Overload”.
Informative: An integral timer is used so that a recurring overload has cumulative effect. In
order to reset the integral when the current is below the operating threshold, a reset
characteristic is defined.
2.4.13 Neutral/Earth Overcurrent
Neutral/Earth Overcurrent protection shall be provided IDMT characteristics with to detect

overcurrents in the electrode line or earth current.
b) Trip associated AC CBs as necessary
2.5 HVDC Transmission Link Zone Protection
The following protections shall be used for the HVDC Transmission link either Cables or
Overhead lines.
2.5.1 DC Line Fault
DC Line Fault protection shall consist of two main protections capable of detecting ground
faults on the DC link either overhead lines and/or submarine cables.
Informative: The fault current is brought to zero for a period of time to allow the arc to de-
ionise. If the fault is between an overhead line and ground the Delay Automatic Re-close
(DAR) scheme may in general be used to restart power transmission following de-ionization
time. The protection of DC cables is similar to that for overhead lines. Since cable faults are

generally permanent no DAR schemes are used. If however, the line consists of both
overhead and cable segments, then the DAR may be used for the overhead line faults.
b) Generate alarm “DC Line Fault”
c) Line and Neutral isolation
Informative: DC Line protection is only active at the rectifier. To distinguish between faults in
the DC system and at the inverter the telecommunication system may be needed to send to
the rectifier, status signals indicating inverter failure or telecomm failure.
To prevent operation if a single phase, or more, fault occurs on the rectifier AC system, i.e. a
fault outside the protection zone, the function is inhibited via AC Fault detection. The
protection is also inhibited when the converter is blocked.
If the above inhibits are not active and the rectifier is de-blocked, DC line faults may be
detected either by the presence of a negative rate of change of DC voltage (dVdc) below a
threshold or, persistently low DC voltage and the presence of DC Current.
Following the protection operation, if the DC voltage has not recovered within a specified
period of time, the DC line fault is assumed to be still present and the process shall be
repeated. If the DC voltage and DC current does not recover after a preset number of retries
the converter shall be blocked and the associated AC circuit breakers shall be tripped.
Informative: The pure undervoltage detector may also be needed to detect a DC Line Fault
for cases when the differentiated DC voltage does not decrease below its threshold.
Due to the fast operation portion of DC Line Protection, the detection of DC Line Faults shall
be co-ordinated so it does not operate for faults beyond the smoothing reactor on the
inverter side.
2.5.2 Cable Pair Sharing Protection
Cable Pair Sharing Protection shall be used where a pair of DC cables is used to implement
the transmission link. It detects mismatch between the same polarity of DC current signals
measured by DC CTs indicating the faulty cable
Informative: The mismatch is derived by taking the absolute value of the difference between
the DC current input signals.
The protection shall operate when the mismatch current exceed a preset threshold for a
preset period of time. On operation, the Protection shall produce Alarm “Cable Pair Sharing
Faulty”.
2.5.3 Cable Balance Protection
Cable Balance Protection shall be provided where DC cables of opposite polarity in a bipole
scheme are crossed. It detects mismatch between the opposite polarity of DC current signals
measured by DC CTs.
The protection will operate when the mismatch exceeds its pre-set threshold for a pre-
defined period of time. On operation, the Protection shall produce Alarm “Cable Unbalance”
Informative: The mismatch is derived by taking the absolute value of the difference between
the DC current input signals.

2.5.4 Cable Overcurrent
Cable overcurrent protection shall be provided where DC cables are used, to detect the
cable current exceeding the normal continuous rating.
The DC current shall be compared with a pre-set threshold, when its threshold is exceeded
for a pre-defined period of time, the protection shall operate to generate Alarm “Cable
Overcurrent”.
2.5.5 DC Under-Voltage
DC Under-voltage protection shall be provided to detect remote ground faults on DC

overhead lines or submarine cables.
On operation, the protection shall
b) Isolating Neutral as necessary
c) Trip associated AC CB(s) as necessary
2.5.6 DC Over-Voltage
DC Over-Voltage protection shall be provided to detect DC overvoltage on the HV bus.
Informative: Large overvoltage of considerable duration may occur due to peak rectification if
a pole is started against an open DC line or if the rectifier is de-blocked against blocked
inverter. At the same time the direct current may be very low due to the open circuit.
b) Inhibit Raise Voltage
c) Forced lower voltage as necessary
2.5.7 DC Filter Overload
DC Filter Overload protection shall be provided to detect overload in the DC filters.
Informative: The filter overload capability is based on the filter element with the minimum
overload capability. Cooling time applied to the integrator function may be related to the filter
time constant, and allows for the cumulative effect of the filter current.
On operation, the protection shall generate Alarm “DC Filter Overload”.
2.6 Harmonic Filter Zone Protection
Informative: Harmonic filter may be of manufacturer dependent design. It usually comprises

Capacitors, Reactors as well as Resistors and other equipments.

2.6.1 Overall Protection
An overall protection shall be provided for the Harmonic Filter. as per. The protection shall
be responsive to both phase and earth faults. The protection shall be provided with self-
supervision and CT supervision functions.
The setting range of the protection shall include 10 % - 50 % of the rated current of the filter.
If the overall protection is of high impedance type, a fully duplicated overall protection system
driven from a common current transformer shall be provided for the filter.
2.6.2 Overcurrent Protection
Back-up protection having an overcurrent function capable of responding to both 50Hz and
to up to 35th harmonics with both DTOC and IDMT characteristics shall be provided for the
Harmonic filter.
The back-up protection function shall consist of three phase overcurrent and a residually
connected earth fault protection.
The DTOC function shall be provided with a current setting range of 50 % - 200 % and 20-
80% (based on 1 A secondary corresponding to approximately full load current of the filter)
for overcurrent protection and earth fault protection respectively and a time setting range of
0.1s – 5 s in step of not greater than 0.1 s.
The back-up protection shall be stable for any inrush or outrush transients.
The back-up protection function shall on operation:
a) Trip the filter CBs.
b) Initiate CBF protection
2.6.3 Capacitor Protection
Capacitor protection functions shall be provided for each capacitor segment within the filter.
Each shall comprise excessive RMS overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection and out-
of-balance protection unless the Contractor can demonstrate that the capacitor bank is
adequately protected by alternative protection functions.
The Contractor shall declare how the capacitor protections are applied to each capacitor
bank.
Where the discharge current which occurs due to the short circuit of a capacitor unit is of
sufficient magnitude to cause unacceptably high voltages on the secondary wiring of the out-
of-balance protection, effective means of limiting this voltage shall be employed.
The operation of the above protections shall produce
a) Trip to the filter CBs
b) An alarm
2.6.4 Reactor Thermal Overload Protection
Where reactors are used for the Harmonic filter, and are of the dry type, two-stage thermal
overload protection shall be provided. The first stage shall be for alarm purposes and the
second stage for tripping. The current setting range of the protection shall include 50 % -
150 % of the rated current of the reactor.

2.6.5 Resistor Thermal Overload Protection
Where the Harmonic filter contains resistors, Two-stage thermal overload protection shall be
provided for each resistor bank. The first stage shall be for alarm purposes and the second
stage for tripping. The current setting range of the protection shall include 50 % - 150 % of
the rated current of the resistor bank.
2.6.6 Resistor Open Circuit Protection
Resistor Open Circuit Protection shall be provided for each resistor bank. The protection
shall be able to detect resistor open circuit and high resistance fault conditions.
The protection shall be stable for inrush or outrush transients and harmonics and shall not
give an unwanted operation under any normal operating conditions or external fault
conditions.
The supplier shall declare the method of measurement employed by the Resistor Open
Circuit Protection.
The protection shall give a trip output after a time delay. The setting range for the time delay
shall include 0.1 s – 5 s in steps of not greater than 0.1 s.
2.7 DC Smoothing Filter Zone protection
DC Smoothing Filter protection shall be provided to detect faults and faulty components
within the filter.
Informative: DC Smoothing Filter protection may include a number of protection functions

depending upon the HVDC technology and filter design.
b) Trip associated AC CB(s) as necessary,
c) Generate Alarms (associated with operated protection functions)
2.8 Valve & Ancillary System Protection
Informative: The protective zone for these protections is normally within the Converter zone.
Valve & Ancillary system protections shall be provided to detect and clear faults associated
with equipment failure that may cause the power transfer level to be compromised, harm the
converter or compromise the integrity of the main components of the DC equipment, such as
failure of the Converter Cooling Plant.
2.8.1 Valve Unit Protection
All the components in the converter valve units shall be monitored to ensure the number
failed components do not exceed the redundancy level to affect normal performance of the
converter.
If the number of failed components exceed certain preset numbers, the following actions
shall be taken in stages as appropriate:
a) Generate alarms
b) Initiate converter block sequence

c) Trip associated AC CB(s)
d) Emergence shut-down of the converter
2.8.2 Converter Cooling Plant Protection
The converter cooling plant protection including but not limited to the following protective
functions shall be provided to detect the faults or failure of the cooling plant. On operation,
those protections shall block and/or trip a pole as appropriate and necessary.
a) Valve Cooling Water Flow Rate
b) Valve Cooling Expansion Vessel Water Level
c) Valve Cooling Water Conductivity
d) Valve Cooling Water Temperature
e) Valve Hall Dew Point
2.8.3 Valve Hall Fire Detection Protection
Each valve hall shall be equipped with a duplicated fire detection system to protect the
Converters against fire hazards.
On operation, the fire detection system shall produce
a) Alarms,
b) Any other actions as specified in the Contract.
2.8.4 Valve Hall HVAC System
The Valve HVAC system shall be provided to ensure that the temperature in the valve hall
does not go above preset values.
When excessive valve hall temperature is detected, the protection function shall take the
pole out of service by
a) Initiating converter block sequence
b) Tripping Associated AC CBs necessary
c) Generating an alarm
2.9 Circuit Breaker Fail (CBF) Protection
Circuit Breaker Fail (CBF) protection shall be provided as per NGTS 3.24.39 (RES) for all AC
system circuit breakers associated with the HVDC converter.
On operation CBF protection shall:
a) Trip other CBs connected to the same busbar or mesh corner.
b) Initiate the DTT send functions of each transformer and feeder connected to the same
mesh corner where appropriate.
c) Lockout DAR where appropriate.

2.10 Converter Blocking Fail Protection
Converter Blocking Fail protection shall be provided to cater for the failure of blocking
sequence for a HVDC converter.
On operation, the protection shall:
a) Trip associated AC CBs to electrically isolate the converter
b) Initiate the DTT send functions as appropriate
c) Lockout DAR where appropriate.
2.11 Voltage Transformer Gas and Oil Actuated Protection
Where a wound oil-filled voltage transformer is used, then it shall be provided with a gas and
oil actuated relay to protect against gas accumulation, loss of oil and oil surge.
On operation, the Mechanical protection shall
a) Initiate converter blocking sequence as necessary
b) Trip the associated AC CB(s).
c) Initiate CBF protection
d) Lockout DAR as appropriate.
2.12 Tripping Arrangements
2.12.1 Tripping systems
Two separately energised independent tripping systems shall be provided for all the
protection functions specified in this TS.
The tripping systems shall be designed to operate from 110V DC battery systems specified
in TS 3.12.4 (RES).
Each tripping system shall be provided with a separately protected supply fed from different
battery systems.
High burden self resetting trip relay(s) shall be provided for each tripping system.
The outputs of all protections shall operate in to both tripping systems.
Operation of the tripping systems from the protections shall be conditioned by auxiliary
switches on the appropriate primary disconnectors to inhibit tripping when the protected AC
and/or HVDC system are disconnected from the transmission network.
2.12.2 Trip Outputs
The trip relays of each tripping system shall provide output contacts for initiation into the
following;
a) Tripping of the associated circuit breaker(s).
b) Intertripping to associated remote circuit breaker(s) where appropriate.

c) Circuit Breaker Fail protection.
The protection system shall provide outputs for initiation of
a) Disconnector sequential isolation where required.
b) Trip relay resetting where required.
2.12.3 Direct Transfer Trip (Intertripping)
Receipt of a Direct Transfer Trip ( DTT) shall
a) Initiate converter blocking sequence,
b) Trip the Main CB(s).
d) Lockout DAR where appropriate.
3 CONTROL FUNCTIONS
3.1 Control Systems
3.1.1 Architecture
The control system shall be structured in an hierarchical manner. The following levels (ref.
IEC 60633) shall be identified in the software and if applicable in the hardware for each
converter:
a) System control
b) Master control
c) Station control
d) Pole control
e) Converter unit control
f) Valve unit control
Only one converter station shall have the active control of the HVDC transmission system at
the same time (this station is called the MASTER station, and the other corresponding
converter station is called the SLAVE station). The HVDC transmission system shall
normally be controlled from the MASTER station or associated control points. Switching of
the MASTER function between the converter stations shall not result in an unintentional jump
in the power transmission nor in any electrical disturbances or unintended control actions.
Switching of the MASTER function shall be done in the SLAVE station (from LOCAL or
REMOTE control) by taking over the active control from the MASTER station.

3.1.2 Control Points
An HVDC link shall be equipped for remote control from the control centres. The control
system shall automatically prepare all signals and changes in analogue values from the
converter control system for transmission to the control centres without delay.
The response time shall comply with the following requirements: Maximum time from a
command is received from the control centre until the breaker is operated: 1 sec.
a) Maximum time from a digital channel is changed until the value is transmitted to the
control centre: 1 sec.
b) Maximum time from an analogue value of a high priority channel is changed until the
value is transmitted to the control centre: 1,5 sec.
There shall be no limitations in the transmission capacity to the control centre other than the
limitations given by the available communication speed and the communication protocol.
There shall be selectable three level control points for an HVDC system:
a) Local Control Points (LCP) where a specific plant item and associated functions within
a HVDC converter station e.g. converter transformer bay, can be operated;
b) Station Control Points (SCP) where all the plant items and their associated functions
within an HVDC converter station can be centrally operated;
c) Remote Control Points (RCP) where all the plant items and associated functions for a
HVDC system can be remotely operated.
It shall be possible to have multiple Remote Control Points, each with two independent
communication routes (“A” and “B”) to each converter station. The ‘A’ routes shall normally
be in service, reverting to the ‘B’ route on loss of functionality of the ‘A’ route or hardware.
It shall be possible to split control functions for a converter station into dispatch controls and
operational controls, and assign only one type of controls to a specific Remote Control Point.
An HVDC system shall have control arbitration mechanism to ensure that only one control
point has control authority (active) to operate a plant item or function at a time. Selected
control points shall be clearly annunciated at the HMIs of all the control points.
HVDC systems shall normally be unmanned and operated from remote control points. The
HVDC link shall also be suitable for manned operation.
3.1.3 Control Point Selections
The system shall be designed to permit a free choice for the control and monitoring of the
link from either the station control room (SCP) at one of the converter stations or from one of
the remote control centres (RCPs). Switching between station and remote control shall only
be possible at the SCP of converter stations. Further details shall be determined in the
detailed engineering of the control system design.

3.1.4 Test and Operation mode for Remote Control
It shall be possible to switch the remote control between the two states OPERATION and
TEST,
On OPERATION:
a) All indications, alarms and measured values from the HVDC station to the remote
control equipment shall be in an updated state.
b) All commands and set-point values from remote control equipment shall be active in
the HVDC station
On TEST:
a) All indications and alarms to the remote control equipment shall be frozen by the
remote control interface when position is changed to TEST. A marking shall be used
to clearly indicate that the indications and alarms as presented in the control centre
are not reflecting the actual status of the HVDC-link.
b) All measured values to remote control equipment shall be in an updated state.
c) All commands and set-point values from remote control equipment shall be inactive,
i.e. blocked in the remote control interface.
3.2 Dispatch Controls
The control system shall contain automatic control features that enable the HVDC-link to
function under steady state, transient, dynamic operating conditions. Where Line
Commutation Converter (LCC) is used, the HVDC systems shall comply with IEC 60919 Part
1, 2 and 3 as appropriate.
For dispatch control, at least the automatic functions described in Clauses 01 – 0 shall be
available.
3.2.1 Converter Control Modes
The converter stations shall have three control modes:
a) PV where constant Active Power (P) and Voltage (V) are controlled as pre-defined
targets;
b) PQ where constant Active Power(P) and Reactive Power (Q) are controlled
c) Frequency (f) is controlled as predefined targets.
Each converter station shall be capable of operating in PQ and PV independently. The

selection of control mode shall be available from the Local and Remote despatch controls.
The supplier shall declare control strategy priorities for the control design.
It shall be possible to apply a schedule of settings for a rolling preset period of time. Within
this period, it shall be possible to adjust the scheduled despatch or to over-ride the schedule
by manual adjustment of the setting parameters.
3.2.2 Start-Up and Shut-Down of HVDC transmission
It shall be possible to automatically start up or shut down the DC-link transmission by setting
a power order in the range between minimum and maximum power.

An automatic start against an open end at the other converter station shall not be possible.
3.2.3 PV Control
In PV mode, it shall be possible, from all despatch control points, to select the active power
set point from -200% to +200% of the link nominal rated active power in a preset step ranged
from 5 to 100 MW. There shall be a minimum operating point of the converter stations to be
defined in the Contract in the percentage of rated current.
It shall be possible to select the target AC system voltage from 80% to 120 % of nominal
system voltage with preset increment ranged from 0.5 kV to 5 KV steps. The deadband for
AC system voltage control shall be no more than ± preset threshold from the target voltage.
3.2.4 PQ Control
In PQ mode, it shall be possible, from all despatch control points, to select the active power
set point -200% to +200% of the link nominal rated active power in a preset step ranged from
5 to 100 MW. There shall be a minimum operating point of the converter stations to be
defined in the Contract in the percentage of rated active power.
It shall be possible to select the target reactive power in the range of -200% to +100% of
rated active power in MVar with a preset increment ranged from 1 to 50MVAr. The deadband
for the reactive power control (actual MVAr exchanged between the converter station and
AC system) shall be no more than a preset value ranged from ± 1 – 200 MVar from the
target.
3.2.5 Frequency Control
Frequency control shall be provided from the HVDC converter to support re-synchronising in
the event of a system split. The control shall have manual and automatic operating modes.
When operating in automatic mode, the frequency control shall be initiated if the frequencies
measured at the converter stations differ by a predefined frequency with a pre-defined time
delay. The frequency range shall be 0 to 1Hz in 0.1Hz steps. The time delay range shall be 0
to 120s in 1s steps.
The droop setting shall be adjustable between 1% and 10% with 1% increment step of the
nominal frequency.
3.2.6 Power Ramping
It shall be possible to increase or decrease the transmitted DC-power with a constant

predefined rate-of-rise or rate-of-fall.
The ramp rate shall be selectable, from all despatch control points, in the range of 1 to
500MW/min with a preset increment between 1 to 50 MW.

3.2.7 Power Reversal
It shall be possible to reverse the direction of power flow with a changeover period between
blocking and de-blocking not exceeding a specified time, in the range of 0 – 600 seconds.
3.2.8 Pole Balance Control
The control system shall act to balance the loads of each pole of the bi-pole to minimise
earth currents. The maximum permitted continuous earth current shall not exceed 5 amps.
This limit shall only be exceeded for the duration of converter or cable earth faults.
3.2.9 Reactive Compensation and Harmonic Filter Control
Harmonic filter control shall be provided to achieve compliance with the specified harmonic
performance requirements by switching harmonic filters. The function shall also provide
Reactive Compensation and/or AC Voltage support including Temporary Over Voltage
(TOV) control by switching the same filter banks. Supplier shall declare the control strategy
and design to achieve those requirements.
Three control modes shall be provided for the switching of reactive compensation and
harmonic filters:
a) MW Mode where the filters are switched at pre-determined MW transfer levels,
b) Target Voltage mode where the filters are switched when preset high and low voltage
threshold limits are exceeded
c) MVAR mode where filters are switched when threshold MVAR transfer levels are
exceeded.
The specified harmonic performance requirements shall not be comprised under any
circumstance during operation of all above control modes.
The control system shall have mechanism to ensure the equal switching duty among the
harmonic filters.
Where applicable, the Reactive Compensation and Harmonic Filter control shall co-ordinate
with the Dynamic Var Compensation Equipment for the purpose of Reactive Compensation
and/or Voltage control. Supplier shall declare the control strategy to be agreed by National
Grid.
3.2.10 Emergency Power Control/Power Demand Override
Where required, functions for helping either one of the two AC grids during special system
conditions (e.g. extreme AC frequency, extreme AC voltage or defined circuit breaker
operations) shall be available. Additional entries shall be available for future use.
Informative: as an example, the over and under frequency protection functions settable using
the HVDC control interfaces may be required within HVDC control systems.
3.2.11 Power Oscillation Damping
Where specified, a Power Oscillation Damping (POD) function shall be provided as part of
the HVDC control system to enhance the damping of electromechanical oscillations on the
transmission system.
It shall be possible to tune the POD to accommodate a range of system conditions.

Facilities shall be provided at all designated control points to modify the characteristics of the
POD manually or automatically should system conditions require.
Where an HVDC system operates with the Dynamic Reactive Compensation e.g. Static Var
Compensators (SVCs) and where both with POD functions, co-ordination between the two
controllers shall be provided to ensure optimum damping for all expected operational
combinations of these equipments. The supplier shall be responsible for all aspects of this
co-ordination, including the provision of all communication equipment and cabling if
necessary.
POD performance shall be demonstrated by means of studies and tests according to the
criteria and principles specified in the Contract.
3.2.12 Sub Synchronous Resonance (SSR) Damping
All protection and control functions/devices shall have sufficient immunity to potential SSR
and shall not either de-function or mal-function under any foreseeable SSR conditions.
Where specified, the converters shall be equipped with a control function for damping of sub-
synchronous resonance between converter and generators in the vicinity of the converter
stations.
3.2.13 Change Over Mechanism
Where protection and control equipment is duplicated, a dedicated changeover mechanism

shall be installed at each level of the controls i.e. station, bipole and pole level to monitor the
availability and health of the equipment.
If one protection or control is failed, it shall automatically change over to the redundant one.
In the event of the redundant control being unavailable due to for example maintenance or
faulty, the associated pole shall be blocked and/or tripped.
When both station controls become unavailable, an alarm shall be raised to alert the
operator and the bipole and pole controls shall maintain the prevailing power transfer until
the operator intervenes. Provision shall be made to allow a ramp to minimum power and
controlled shut down.
For a bipole design, the control system shall freeze the previous orders from the station
controls until the operator intervenes. In the same manner, failure of both duplicated controls
at the bipole level shall cause an alarm to be raised and the previous orders from the bipole
controls shall be latched at pole level until operator intervention. Provision shall be made to
allow a ramp to minimum power and controlled shut down.
3.2.14 Automatic Pole Switching
Where a bipole design is used, the Automatic Pole Switching function shall be provided to
re-configure bipole operation into Monopole operation when one of the poles is tripped.
3.3 Manual Operation
Informative: the manual operation is mainly intended for test purposes and emergency
operation.
3.3.1 Starting, Stopping and Regulation of the DC Transmission
It shall be possible manually to start up and shut down the whole DC-power transmission.
The manual control mode is mainly intended for tests and maintenance but shall also permit
operation of the link in case of loss of the telecommunication between the converters. For
this purpose a tracking function shall allow slow ramping of power on the HVDC link.

A manual start against an open end at the other converter station shall as far as possible be
avoided through interlocks.
3.3.2 Open Converter/Line Test Modes
An open-line test arrangement shall be provided in the converter control system to enable
voltage testing of the HVDC line/cable. From each of the two HVDC converters it shall be
possible to make a controlled increase of the DC voltage from zero to 1.05 times the rated
DC cable voltage against an open inverter.
This shall be done without risk for reflection in the open end, resulting in unacceptable cable
voltage levels. The open-line test shall also be possible without the HVDC cable connected.
This Function shall only be available in the local control room.
Informative: the following protections will need to be sensitised or desensitised as no current

should flow through the converter during this test:
a) AC>DC Differential
The DC signal input need to be set to zero to sensitise the protection during Open
Circuit Test Mode.
b) AC Over-Current Protection
As no current flow through the converter during the test this protection will need to be
sensitised by shifting IDMT characteristic down to a new pick-up level.
c) DC Over-Current Protection
As no current flow through the converter during the test, this protection will need to be
sensitised by shifting IDMT characteristic down to a new pick-up level.
d) DC Differential protection
This protection needs to be sensitised when Open Circuit Test Mode is selected to
protect against flashovers.
e) DC Line Fault protection
This protection needs to be sensitised to enable persistent DC line faults to be

detected during open circuit test mode
f) DC Under-Voltage Protection
-Inhibited.
g) DC Under-Current Protection
-Inhibited.
3.4 SCADA Functions
A SCADA system shall be provided for the HVDC converter station as per TS 2.7 (RES),

Manual Control
All the CBs and disconnectors shall be provided with open and close controls that can be
initiated from any control points.
It shall be possible to manually tap converter transformers at all the control points
3.4.1 Controls, Indications and Alarms
All the specified manual control and automatic functions shall be provided with IN/OUT
selection facilities at LCPs, SCPs and pre-defined RCPs via the converter Station SCADA
System.
All CBs and disconnectors within a HVDC converter station shall have double point
indications as per TS3.24.4 (RES) to show “Open”, “Close” and “D.B.I” status which shall be
alarmed.
Each specified function shall provide alarms and indications as appropriate, to the
associated LCPs, all the SCPs and RCPs, including but not limited to:
a) All the control selections & indications
b) Controls and indications of all circuit breakers, disconnectors and earth switches
c) Circuit breaker, transformer, disconnector, filter, fixed reactive compensation, Dynamic

Reactive Compensation and instrument transformer plant alarms & condition
monitoring data.
d) Control mode status
e) Pole status
f) Valve cooling system status
g) Converter transformer tapchanger position indications.
h) AC current, voltage, power and reactive power per pole
i) AC system overall power and reactive power and frequency
j) AC filter & Dynamic Reactive Compensation reactive power
k) DC current, voltage magnitude and polarity
l) Earth current
m) Rectifier delay angle
n) Inverter extinction angle
o) Station auxiliary systems e.g. fire, environmental, security as well as other domestic
services.
Informative: The alarms and indications that are to be provided as per this TS and other
relevant functional specifications.
For alarm handling (local, remote and grouping information), refer to the Generic Equipment
Model (GEM).

Protection operation or failure shall annunciate through the substation alarm & event logging
system. The following protection output alarms shall be provided;
a) Protection operated alarm for each electrical and mechanical protection.
b) Trip relay operated indication (where required).
c) Protection supply supervision alarm for each fused supply.
If the protection equipment is of the static (analogue or digital) type, an alarm output of
equipment inoperative shall be provided for the loss of DC auxiliary energising supply and
internal relay failures.
All MCB operations shall be correctly alarmed, and shall not trip the system unnecessarily.
Each function shall provide information that can be accessed via a communications port
(Informative interface).
3.4.2 Time Synchronisation
Each function shall be provided with a substation time reference which shall be based on
GPS.
All events and alarms generated by the control system and external input signals (events
and alarms) to the control system shall be stored in the control and protection system. All
recordings and messages shall be given with a real time stamp. Correct time tagging shall
be ensured.
The accuracy and resolution of the time tagging shall at least be 1 ms. The station master
clocks of both HVDC converters shall be synchronised. In case of loss of synchronisation,
the station master clocks shall continue operation with the internal crystal with an accuracy
of 1 ppm.
3.4.3 Interlocking
An Interlocking function shall be provided to ensure safe operation of the AC and DC

switchgears within a converter station.
3.4.4 Sequential Isolation
HVDC system shall be provided with disconnector sequential isolation where required. The
contract will state if this is required.
3.4.5 Synchronising
The AC system of an HVDC converter station shall be provided with check synchronising
and system synchronising functions as necessary.
The AC VT shall provide a voltage input (incoming voltage) to the Synchronising functions
mentioned.

3.4.6 Voltage Selection
The AC VT shall provide inputs to the substation voltage selection function.
The converter substation AC voltage selection function shall provide a voltage reference
input (running voltage) that represents the voltage of the busbar to which the HVDC is
selected to for the Synchronising functions.
3.4.7 Ferro-resonance Detection and Quenching
Ferro-resonance detection and quenching facilities shall be provided. Where required, an F4

ferro-resonance scheme shall be provided unless otherwise specified.
3.4.8 Phases Unbalanced Detector
A phase unbalanced detector function shall be provided to the AC system to initiate an alarm
for a sustained unbalanced load current.
3.4.9 AC CB Pole Discrepancy Tripping
AC CB pole discrepancy tripping function shall be provided for the AC CBs.
Informative: Pole discrepancy has traditionally been known as ‘phases not together’ within
the UK electricity supply industry.
3.4.10 Instrument Transformers supervision
Functions which use signals from VTs shall be provided with a VT supervision function.
The VT supervision function shall initiate an alarm on VT failure.
3.4.11 Interfacing with Special Protection and Operational Tripping Schemes
The converter station control systems shall provide interfaces to AC network special
protection and operational tripping schemes (SPS/OTS).
On receipt of commands from the SPS/OTS, an HVDC control system shall be capable of
taking the actions including but not limited to (subject to the Contract):
a) Converter block
b) Converter De-block
c) Converter ramp up/down at a pre-defined rate to a pre-defined set point
d) Enable/disable/modify POD control
e) Enable/disable/modify SSR control
3.5 Communications
Where communication is required for an HVDC control, duplicated channels shall be

provided to ensure no single failure shall result the loss of communication between two
converters.
Standard IEC communication protocols such as the IEC 60870-5-101, the IEC60870-5-104
and IEC61850 shall be used for the local and remote communications for an HVDC system.

All the communication channels for protection and control systems shall be supervised and
alarm if they become faulty.
3.6 Metering
Operational metering functions shall be provided to give indications to the SCADA of:
a) AC system Voltage
b) AC active and reactive power
c) Harmonics as appropriate
If required, Settlement metering functions shall be provided. as per TS 3.9.XX
3.7 Recording & Monitoring
3.7.1 Fault Recording
Fault recording shall be provided for both AC and DC system within a HVDC converter
station. Quality of Supply Monitoring
Quality of supply monitoring function shall be provided as appropriate.
3.7.2 Cable Monitoring
The control system shall integrate measurement and status signals from the cable condition
monitoring function.
3.8 Test Facilities
3.8.1 Test / Normal Facility
A Test / Normal facility shall be provided by means of a ‘lockable’ selector switch for each
IED. When in the “Test” position the following shall apply;
a) Isolate the initiation of converter blocking sequence
b) Isolate the Tripping functions
c) Disable the DTT Send function (if applicable)
d) Generate alarm(s) when in the “Test” position for each affected protection function
Informative: ‘Lockable’ shall be by means of a unique key or padlock facilities to accept a

5mm diameter and 30mm hasp.
3.8.2 Routine Protection Operation Test Facility
A secure Routine Protection Operation test facility shall be provided to initiate the tripping of
the main CB(s) from the all the main protection by simulating internal faults. The facility shall
initiate tripping, I/T, DAR (if applicable), Auto-Switching (if applicable), CBF, fault recorders,
blocking converter sequence etc.
3.9 Auxiliary Supply
Two independent 110V DC battery systems shall be provided. Power Supply Supervision
All the control and protection cubicles shall be provided with power supply supervision.

4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 General
All the HVDC protection and control functions shall perform correctly in accordance with the
requirements of this specification, and appropriate level 3 National Grid RES Technical
Specifications, for the range of power system conditions specified in TS1 (RES) and the
range of environmental conditions specified in TS 3.24.15 (RES).
The performance of the protection shall not be adversely affected by the worst conditions of
magnetising inrush, current transformer saturation or harmonics.
4.1.1 Minimisation of Non-Characteristic Harmonics
The control system shall be designed to minimise the generation of non-characteristic

harmonic currents.
4.1.2 Failure of Telecommunications
All the communications facilities for automatic control of the HVDC system shall be
duplicated and functionally independent. The channels shall be continually supervised
providing annunciation of degradation or failure to all control points.
Any telecommunication failure shall not cause any unintentional operation of the control
system. If the telecommunication link between the MASTER converter control system and
corresponding remote control centre breaks down during remote operation, the initiated
orders shall be completed. The operators shall have the possibility to switch MASTER
converter station to the other one for normal operation during such failure on the
telecommunication link.
When the telecommunication link is re-established, the normal control of the power
transmission shall automatically be re-established. All alarms and indications issued in the
HVDC converter during the failure shall be transmitted in chronological order to the control
centre.
An HVDC link operation shall not deviate from its operating point in the event of total failure
of the communications channels.
The supplier shall declare the limitations of the operation of the HVDC link and loss of
functionality in the event of total communications system failure. The supplier shall also
detail the required manual actions to maintain normal operation, effect start-up and
shutdown sequences, change control modes, modify set-points and operating parameters
under this circumstance.
All the equipment shall be resilient to the partial and/or total failure of hardware. Appropriate
alarms shall be generated when the failure(s) detected.
5 FORMS AND RECORDS
TS 3.24.90.A Function Integration Table

PART 2 - DEFINITIONS AND DOCUMENT HISTORY
6 DEFINITIONS
The definitions in BSEN 60633: 1999 apply to this specification.
CB Circuit Breaker
CBF Circuit Breaker Fail
CT Current Transformer
CTS CT Supervision
DAR Delayed Auto-Reclose
DTT Direct Transfer Trip
EIDMT Extremely Inverse Definite Minimum Time
ENCC Electricity Network Control Centre
IED Intelligent Electronic Device
HV High Voltage
IDMT Inverse Definite Minimum Time
I/T Inter-Trip
LV Low Voltage
MC Mesh Corner
POD Power Oscillation Damping
OC Over Current
SCS Substation Control System
TS Technical Specification
CSC Current Sourced Converter
VSC Voltage Sources Converter
7 AMENDMENTS RECORD
Summary of Changes / Approved By

Issue Date Author(s)
Reasons (Inc. Job Title)
October Richard Poole/Ray
1 First issue GCRP
2014 Zhang

7.1 Procedure Review Date
5 years from publication date.
PART 3 - GUIDANCE NOTES AND APPENDICES
8 REFERENCES
TS 1 (RES) Ratings and General Requirements for Plant, Equipment
and Apparatus for the NGT System and Connection
Points To It
TS 3.24.15 (RES) Environmental and Test Requirements for Electronic
Equipment
TS 3.24.34 (RES) Busbar Protection
BS EN 50328:2003 Semiconductor converters. General requirements and
line commutated converters. Specification of basic
requirements
IEC 60146-1-2 Semiconductor converters – General requirements and
line commutated converters - Part 2: Application guide
BS EN 50329:2003 Semiconductor converters. General requirements and
line commutated converters. Transformers and reactors
BS EN 60146-2:2000 Semiconductor converters – Part 2: Self commutated
semiconductor converters including direct d.c. converters
BS EN 60700-1:1998 + A2: 2008 Thyristor valves for high-voltage direct current (HVDC)
power transmission. Electrical testing
BS EN 60633:1999 Terminology for high-voltage direct current (HVDC)
transmission
IEC/TR 60919-1 Performance of HVDC systems with line commutated
converters – Part 1: Steady state conditions
PD/IEC/TR 60919-2 Performance of HVDC systems with line commutated
converters – Part 2: Faults and switching
IEC/TR 60919-3 Performance of HVDC systems with line commutated
converters – Part 3: Dynamic conditions
BS EN 62501: 2009 Voltage Sourced Converter (VSC) valves for high-voltage
direct current HVDC power transmission – Electrical
testing
IEC/PAS 61975 System tests for HVDC installations
DD/IEC/PAS 62001:2004 Guide to the specification and design evaluation of a.c.
filters for HVDC systems
DD/IEC/PAS 62543:2008 DC transmission using Voltage Sourced Converters
(VSC)
DD/IEC/PAS 62544:2008 Active filters in HVDC applications
BS EN 61378-2:2001 Converter transformers. Transformers for HVDC
applications
BS EN 60076-10:2001 Power transformers. Determination of sound levels
BS IEC 60747-6:2000 Discrete semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.
Thyristors
Engineering Recommendation (Er) G5/4 Levels Of Harmonic Distortion.

APPENDIX A - FUNCTION INTEGRATION TABLE
FUNCTION DESCRIPTION BOX 1 BOX2 BOX3 BOX4 BOX5 BOX6
PROTECTION FUNCTIONS
AC Busbar Zone Protection
Double Busbar arrangement
Mesh Corner Arrangement
Converter Transformer Zone

Protection
Converter Transformer Protection
Tapping Sequence Protection

DC Converter/Pole Zone
Protection
Asymmetry Protection
Pole Differential Protection
DC Overcurrent
AC>DC Differential
DC>AC Differential
AC Overcurrent
AC Overvoltage Line Side
AC Overvoltage Valve Side
AC Undervoltage
DC Undercurrent Protection
Tap Limits Protection
Thermal Protection
Neutral Zone Protection
Common Neutral Area Protection

Neutral Bus Overvoltage
Protection
Neutral Bus Grounding Switch
(NBGS) Protection
Neutral Bus Switch Protection
Electrode Line Fault Detector
Neutral Current Unbalance


Metallic Return Earth Fault
Protection
Metallic Return Transfer Breaker
(MRTB) Protection
Ground Return Transfer Switch
Protection
NBGS Overcurrent
Electrode Line Balance Protection
Electrode Line Overload
Neutral/Earth Overcurrent
HVDC Transmission Link Zone
Protection
DC Line Fault
Cable Pair Sharing Protection
Cable Balance Protection
Cable Overcurrent
DC Under-Voltage
DC Over-Voltage
DC Filter Overload
Harmonic Filter Zone
Protection
Overall Protection
Overcurrent Protection
Capacitor Protection
Reactor Thermal Overload
Protection
Resistor Thermal Overload
Protection
Resistor Open Circuit Protection
DC Smoothing Filter Zone
protection
Valve & Ancillary System
Protection
Valve Unit Protection
Converter Cooling Plant
Protection
Valve Hall Fire Detection
Protection
Valve Hall HVAC System


Circuit Breaker (CBF) Fail
Protection
Converter Blocking Fail Protection
Voltage Transformer Gas and Oil
Actuated Protection
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Control Systems
Control Points
Control Point Selections

Test and Operation mode for
Remote Control
Dispatch Controls
Converter Control Modes

Start-Up and Shut-Down of HVDC
transmission
PV Control
PQ Control
Frequency Control
Power Ramping
Power Reversal
Pole Balance Control

Reactive Compensation and
Harmonic Filter Control
Emergency Power Control/Power
Demand Override
Power Oscillation Damping
Sub Synchronous Resonance
(SSR) Damping
Change Over Mechanism
Automatic Pole Switching
Manual Operation
Starting, Stopping and Regulation
of the DC Transmission
Open Converter/Line Test Modes
SCADA Functions
Manual Control

Controls, Indications and Alarms
Time Synchronisation
Interlocking
Sequential Isolation
Synchronising
Voltage Selection
Ferro-resonance Detection and
Quenching
Phases Unbalanced Detector
AC CB Pole Discrepancy Tripping

Instrument Transformers
supervision
Interfacing with Special Protection
and Operational Tripping
Schemes
Communication Supervision
Metering
Operational Metering
Settlement Metering
Recording & Monitoring
Fault Recording
Quality of Supply Monitoring
Cable Monitoring
Test Facilities
Routine Protection Operation Test
Facility
Test / Normal Facility
Power Supply Supervision
TS 3.23.90.A Page x of x

APPENDIX B - AN EXAMPLE OF AN HVDC SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT
AC System DC System
AC BB Converter /Pole DC filter

Zone zone zone
Converter
Transformer Zone DC link zone
DC
Filter
Neutral zone
Converter
Transformer Zone AC filter
Zone
DC link zone
Converter /Pole
zone DC
Filter
AC filter DC Filter
AC filter Zone Zone Zone
© National Grid 2014
“© 2014 Copyright owned by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, all rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying and restoring in any
medium or electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally) without the written permission of
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, except:
1. To the extent that any party who is required to comply (or is exempt from complying) with the provisions
under the Electricity Act 1989 reasonably needs to reproduce this publication to undertake its licence or
statutory duties within Great Britain (or any agent appointed so as to act on that party’s behalf); and
2. In accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Design’s and Patents Act 1988.

HVAC 39187-21. RES - TS - 3.24.90 - I1

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National Grid - Internal and Contract Specific Protection & Control for HVDC systems

Technical Specification TS3.24.90 (RES) - Issue 1 - October 2014

PROTECTION & CONTROL FOR HVDC SYSTEMS

PURPOSE AND SCOPE .......................................................................................................................1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

PART 1 - FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Uncontrolled When Printed Page 1 of 36

Uncontrolled When Printed Page 2 of 36

1.2 Engineering Interface

1.3 Hardware and Accommodations

2.1 AC Busbar Zone Protection

2.1.1 Double Busbar Arrangement

On operation, busbar protection shall

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

b) Trip the Main CB(s) at AC substation.

c) Initiate CBF protection where appropriate.

d) Be selectable to initiate DTT to the remote end(s) of the circuit.

2.1.2 Mesh Corner Arrangement-

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

b) Trip the associated CBs.

c) Initiate CBF protection where appropriate.

d) Lockout MCDAR where appropriate.

2.2 Converter Transformer Zone Protection

Uncontrolled When Printed Page 3 of 36

2.2.1 Tapping Sequence Protection

Converter transformer tapping sequence shall be monitored to ensure correct operation of

a) Trip tap-changer MCB(s)

c) Block converter as necessary

2.3 DC Converter/Pole Zone Protection

2.3.1 Asymmetry Protection

Asymmetry Protection shall be provided to detect persistent presence of fundamental and

a) Stage 1: As soon as a fault is detected an alarm shall be initiated.

2.3.2 Pole Differential Protection

On operation, the protection shall take the pole out of service by

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

b) Trip associated AC CBs necessary

d) Isolate Line and Neutral

Uncontrolled When Printed Page 4 of 36

On operation, the protection shall;

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

c) Trip Associated AC CBs necessary

d) Line and Neutral isolation as appropriate

2.3.4 AC>DC Differential

On operation, the Protection shall

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

c) trip Associated AC CBs necessary

2.3.5 DC>AC Differential

On operation, the Protection shall

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

c) Trip Associated AC CBs necessary

AC Overcurrent protection shall be provided to detect overcurrents in any of the valve

On operation, the Protection shall

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

Uncontrolled When Printed Page 5 of 36

c) Trip Associated AC CBs necessary

2.3.7 AC Overvoltage Line Side

On operation, the Protection shall

a) Initiate converter blocking sequence

c) Trip Associated AC CBs necessary