HVDC Converter Station Black Start Using Transmission Line Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVDC power transmission systems face challenges in performing a black start without the need for diesel generators or dedicated AC power transmission lines, especially in remote or offshore locations, due to high costs and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission arrangement that uses a DC transmission line to convey low-voltage AC or DC power to an electrical energy storage element, such as a battery or capacitor, to charge it before a black start, allowing the system to operate without diesel generators and dedicated AC lines, enabling the black start of HVDC links in remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diesel generators are used to provide auxiliary power to converter stations, then black start capability is achieved, but maintenance costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the diesel generator component from the black start system by using the existing HVDC transmission line and converter station infrastructure to provide auxiliary power directly, thereby removing the source of environmental harm while maintaining black start capability
Solution Approach 2:
The converter station serves itself by using its own HVDC transmission line and power conversion equipment to provide auxiliary power during black start operations, eliminating the need for external diesel generators and reducing environmental impact
2Reliability
If diesel generators are used to provide auxiliary power to converter stations, then black start capability is achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the diesel generator from the system and replaces it with the existing HVDC transmission infrastructure, eliminating ongoing fuel and maintenance costs while preserving black start functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The HVDC transmission line and converter station are designed to perform multiple functions: primary power transmission and auxiliary power provision during black start operations, eliminating the need for dedicated diesel generators and reducing maintenance requirements
3Reliability
If a dedicated AC transmission line is used to supply auxiliary power, then black start capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing HVDC transmission line is designed to serve dual purposes: transmitting primary power during normal operation and providing auxiliary power during black start operations, eliminating the need for dedicated AC transmission lines and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the auxiliary power supply function with the existing HVDC transmission infrastructure, combining multiple functions into a single system rather than adding separate dedicated AC lines, thereby reducing overall system complexity
4Reliability
If a dedicated AC transmission line is used to supply auxiliary power, then black start capability is achieved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVDC transmission line is designed to perform multiple functions including auxiliary power supply during black start operations, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated AC transmission lines and reducing implementation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the dedicated AC transmission line component by utilizing the existing HVDC infrastructure for auxiliary power supply, thereby reducing implementation costs while maintaining black start capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables black start operations in HVDC systems without the need for diesel generators or dedicated AC power transmission lines, reducing costs and environmental impact, and facilitating the startup of converter stations in remote locations like offshore sites.
Implementation Method 1
The power transmission arrangement comprises at least one electrical energy storage element that can be selectively charged or discharged
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first converter station and the second converter station is configured to convert AC power to DC power or vice versa
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are generally based on employing a power transmission line (160) in a HVDC link to provide auxiliary power to one of the ends of the HVDC link for facilitating a black start thereof when the HVDC link is de-energized, i.e. when at least one of the HVDC converter stations (140, 150) is de-energized and there is no transmission of power between inverter and rectifier HVDC converter stations (140, 150) on each side of the HVDC link. A relatively small amount of power can be conveyed towards one of the HVDC converter stations (140, 150) via the power transmission line (160) so as to provide power to any auxiliary system(s) of the converter station (140, 150), for example prior to a black start of the converter station (140, 150) being carried out.