Europe’s first medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) link will be supplied by GE as part of Scottish Power’s grid extension in Anglesey and North Wales. The Angle-DC project aims to demonstrate a novel network reinforcement technique by converting an existing 33-kilovolt (kV) AC circuit to direct current (DC) operation.
Uncontrolled power flows are putting the system at risk in that region, as rising electricity demand means that thermal limits of the cables and overhead lines are exceeded. The new MVDC link, according to GE, will help improve the flow of electricity, voltage control and enhance the thermal capability of the circuit.
“As electricity demand and the connection of renewable generation continues to grow, the existing network infrastructure struggles to cope and additional reinforcement becomes necessary,” explained Kevin Smith, Future Networks Lead Engineer at Scottish Power Energy Networks.
“The Angle-DC project, being the first of its kind, will hopefully demonstrate that using MVDC on existing assets can be a more innovative alternative to simply building more substations along with the connecting underground cables and overhead lines.”
GE will be playing a key part in the successful delivery of this MVDC trial project: The AC-to-DC converters will be installed at a 33-kV substation in Bangor and at a similar substation on the Isle of Anglesey. The 12 units of MV7000 converters at each substation will convert 33 kVAC to ±27kVDC using the existing AC lines between the two substations.
When carrying out the order, GE will also include VISOR 2.0, a tool to provide remote connectivity to improve service responsiveness, and the Data Historian software that allows data collection, processing and storage.
Data analysis will allow SP Energy Networks review the capabilities of the MVDC system, and develop optimum control algorithms for the distribution grid.