PNNL

Abstract

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission is becoming increasingly widespread in the world, because of advancements in power electronics and the potential value to transfer power between distant areas and off-shore locations. Multiple HVDC lines within a large AC interconnection could bring about economic benefits such as interregional capacity exchange, and transfer of cheap, distant generation directly to load centers. In addition, network configuration of HVDC lines could result in additional benefits that have not been deeply studied. This paper describes the modeling process for continental level power system interconnections with the addition of multiple HVDC lines configured as a macro grid. The models are based on industry accepted power system models for the North American Eastern and Western Interconnections, interconnected through multiple HVDC lines. Mature models for HVDC lines are used. The model will provide insight on feasibility and initial stability tests of the HVDC macro grid and its interactions with the existing electricity infrastructure, opening the door to analysis of technical values of such macro grid.