HVDC Switchgear Busbar Layout for Return Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage direct current transmission networks require efficient switching between different return flow paths, which is challenging due to the complexity and number of power converters involved, necessitating a solution for easy and clear switching between earth, metallic, and pole-based return paths.
Innovation Solution
A switchgear with a modular design featuring three busbars and multiple switches allows for easy connection and switching between neutral connections, poles, and metallic return lines, enabling flexible operation and adaptation to various configurations without affecting other elements in the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to connect each power converter neutral terminal to different return paths, then switching flexibility between return paths is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching functions for multiple power converters into a single common switch (first switch) that controls connection to the first pole. Additionally, a second switch provides common control for connection to the second pole or metallic return line. This consolidation reduces the total number of switches needed while maintaining the ability to switch between different return paths for all connected power converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The first busbar serves multiple functions by being connectable to neutral terminals of multiple power converters simultaneously. The common switches (first and second switches) provide universal control for switching between different return paths (first pole, second pole, metallic return line) for all power converters connected to the switchgear, making the switching mechanism applicable to variable numbers of converters without requiring additional switches.
2Device complexity
If a modular switchgear design with common busbars and switches is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different configurations of power converters may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The switchgear is segmented into distinct functional components: a first busbar for connecting to power converter neutral terminals, a second busbar for pole connections, a third busbar for metallic return line connection, and separate common switches for controlling connections. This modular segmentation allows the same basic structure to accommodate different numbers and configurations of power converters by simply adjusting which connections are active, without requiring structural changes to the switching mechanism itself.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a switchgear (1) for a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission network (3), comprising a first busbar (11) that can be connected to a neutral terminal (23) of several converters (25). The first busbar (11) is connected to a second busbar (12) via a first switch (17). The second busbar (12) can be connected by means of a switch (27) to a first pole (P1) or by means of a further switch (28) to a second pole (P2) of at least one HVDC transmission line (5) of the HVDC transmission network (3). The first busbar (11) is connected to a third busbar (13) via a second switch (19). The third busbar (13) can be connected to at least one metallic return line (DMR) of the high-voltage direct current transmission network (3) by means of a switch (29).