AC Grid with Embedded VSC-HVDC for Secure and Efficient Power Delivery

Increased bulk power transactions in competitive energy markets together with large scale integration of renewable energy sources are posing challenges to high-voltage transmission systems. Environmental constraints and energy efficiency requirements also have significant effects on future transmission infrastructure development. This paper reviews the recent development in HVDC technologies and discusses the needs of the hybrid AC/DC grid structure for future power systems with focus on VSC-HVDC applications in meshed AC grid. It has also been recognized that hybrid AC/DC transmission system together with the wide area measurement system (WAMS) could effectively manage the overall power grid operation security and efficiency under uncertain supply and demand conditions.