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Current source

The document compares Current Source Converter (CSC) and Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technologies in high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, highlighting VSC's advantages such as independent control of active and reactive power, compatibility with weak AC grids, and reduced converter losses. VSC systems are more compact and have the capability for black-start, while CSC systems require a strong AC network and have limited control capabilities. Overall, VSC technology is emerging as a more flexible and reliable option for various applications, including long-distance power transmission and integration with renewable energy sources.

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Otuye Lukasha Papy
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

Current source

The document compares Current Source Converter (CSC) and Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technologies in high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, highlighting VSC's advantages such as independent control of active and reactive power, compatibility with weak AC grids, and reduced converter losses. VSC systems are more compact and have the capability for black-start, while CSC systems require a strong AC network and have limited control capabilities. Overall, VSC technology is emerging as a more flexible and reliable option for various applications, including long-distance power transmission and integration with renewable energy sources.

Uploaded by

Otuye Lukasha Papy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Current source

converter

Voltage source

converter

Maturity of

technology

Mature Developing

Valves Thyristor, dependent

on AC system voltage

for commutation

IGBT, self

commutating

Commutation failure Can occur Does not occur

Minimum DC power Typically 5–10% of

rated power

No minimum value

Reactive power

exchange with AC

system

50% of active power

transmitted

Independent control

of active and reactive

power

Reactive

compensation

Required Not required

AC harmonic filters Switchable filters


required

Less filtering

required, filters need

not be switchable

Converter

transformers

Special design

required

Conventional

transformers can be

used

Reversal of power

flow

DC voltage polarity

reversal required

Controllable in both

directions, no

reversal of DC voltage

polarity required

Converter station

footprint (relative size)

200m x 120m x 22m

(100%)

120m x 60m x 22m

(~40%)

Conversion losses

(per converter end)

0.7% to 0.8% of
transmitted power

1% of

transmitted power

DC voltage Up to 800kV

available

Up to 350kV

VSC-based HVDC systems offer several advantages over conventional HVDC, including
independent control of active and reactive power, dynamic voltage support for enhanced
stability, and compatibility with multi-terminal DC systems without the need for fast
communication between converter stations. Each converter station, equipped with a VSC,
provides bi-directional and continuous active and reactive power control. Active power balance
is maintained by one converter operating on DC voltage control while others operate on active
power control (Shahi & Singh, 2014).

to sub-transm

ission systems, which consist of stations and lines

The csc-hvdc illustrated in figure 3 employs

The topology is favourable for long distance power transmission and hv bulk power
without capacitance effect on the transmission line.

Proposed a flexible csc using DC reinjection concept to reduce current signal to 0


during valves commutations and hence, eliminate the converter dependency for line
commutation. This topology can also regulate the active and reactive power.
Viewpoint CSC-HVDC VSC-HVDC
Type of the Converter Current Source Converter Voltage Source Converter
(Thyristors) (IGBT)
Control Capability Limited Control because it Independent control for both
requires a strong AC Network. Active and reactive power.
AC grid Dependency Requires a strong AC Grid to Can operate with weak or
operate without AC Grid.
Converter losses Lower (1-2%) Higher (2-3%)
Footprint Larger because it required a Compact with minimal filter
Filter and reactor needed
Black-start Capability Doesn’t have the capability to Does have the capability to
restart. restart.
Reactive Power support Require an external power Provide an essential power
compensation support
Application Long distance power Long distance power
transmission transmission, offshore wind,
urban integration and weak grid
support
Power Tapping No option to tap off the power Possibility to tap off the power to
different locations.
Reliability Mature technology for decades Emerging but increasing
reliability and stability

The AC output voltage of power converters are not purely sinusoidal but have harmonics
because of the switching devices inside the converter. Wang et al., (2020) stated that this
can lead to harmonic currents in the phase reactor.

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