– Review, Presentations & Event Recording –
Jianing Li presented the activities of the NGN (Next Generation Network) Section of CIGRE UK, then went on to Chair the event.
Dechao Kong introduced the Cigre B4 Study Committee, highlighting its scope, structure, leadership, and past events. He further kicked off the presentation with the topic GB Transmission System Operability considerations for HVDC and PE applications covering potential roadmap by 2050 from the generation mix perspective of the onshore and offshore interconnector, impact of the net-zero target and climate considerations followed by potential impacts and challenges for system operability with respect to system inertia, its impact and discussed further the current development and potential opportunities for the network operability pathfinders.
Click here for Dechao’s presentation slides
Theodor Heath gave a brief introduction about himself, started off his presentation by taking us through the global outlook of the generation mix with respect to grids, renewables, and PV & Wind how these technologies can help us in achieving the demand and enable us in progressing to the much-anticipated energy transition. Next, he touched upon the UK HVDC & FACTS Market by giving us an overview of the estimated market size and a key market player like Hitachi ABB, Siemens, GE, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, and Prysmian. Furthermore, he took us through the plan for UK markets and targets highlighting the functional impact of renewables, interconnectors, and offshore winds farms. He also gave brief applicational examples for the prevailing HVDC Connections, the scope for multi-terminal HVDC technology, the existing IGBT progressions, consideration for reduced Inertia with case studies supporting them. Theodor concluded his presentation by giving Insight into the challenges associated with Power electronics integration, followed by giving us a brief overview of his research group and their area of research.
Click here for Theodor’s presentation slides
Mark Osborne gave a brief introduction about himself, followed by giving us an overview of the existing utility. He then summarised the Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) based Power Electronic solutions that have been employed in GB to increase the Transmission network capacity and their likely role in meeting our Net Zero ambitions. He further took us to the latest FACTS application to be installed in the transmission system – modular static synchronous compensators (SSSC). Highlighted some of the emerging generic design and asset management challenges that need to be considered as more power electronic-based converter applications are used across all aspects of power system applications. He concluded his presentation by stating that the need for FACTS based power electronics solutions will play a significant role in meeting the net-zero target.
Click here for Mark’s presentation slides
Chidinma Agwu started the presentation by taking us through the basic terminologies related to the HVDC converter station and the primary components associated with the same. She further took us through the acoustic noise levels which should be attenuated during pre & post construction and gave an insight on the existing case study examples for LCC & VSC HVDC sites. She concluded her presentation by summarising the rules and instructions to achieve a compliant station design by identifying the noise limits to avoid otherwise very expensive mitigation work, loss of revenue and fines. During the panel discussion, four presenters took several questions such as how the interconnectors are providing inertia support in the UK and some insights on potential applications of meshed DC grids and DC/DC converters in the UK. We would like to thank especially all speakers, the organising committee and all the attendees to join this event on Opportunities & Challenges for HVDC & Power Electronics in the UK.
Click here for Chidinma’s presentation slides