IEC 60700-2:2016

Overview

IEC 60700-2:2016 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that provides a comprehensive terminology reference for thyristor valves used in high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems. This part of the IEC 60700 series focuses on defining essential terms related to thyristor valve technology deployed in line-commutated converters, typically featuring three-phase bridge connections for AC to DC conversion and vice versa. The standard is crucial for engineers, designers, and operators involved in HVDC power transmission, ensuring consistency and clarity in communication across the global power electronics community.

The 2016 edition includes corrigenda from 2017 and amendments incorporated up to 2021 for improved accuracy. IEC 60700-2 facilitates a common technical vocabulary to support the design, operation, and maintenance of thyristor valves in HVDC applications worldwide.

Key Topics

• Thyristor Valves Definitions: The standard details definitions for thyristors, including different types such as electrically triggered thyristors (ETT) and light triggered thyristors (LTT).

• Converter Circuit Terminology: Key terms like converter arm, converter bridge, and converter unit are defined to describe components and configurations within HVDC converter setups.

• Symbols and Abbreviations: IEC 60700-2 provides a list of commonly used symbols (e.g., trigger delay angle α, commutation overlap angle µ) and abbreviations (e.g., HVDC, TCU - thyristor control unit) to standardize communication.

• Valve Design and Performance Terms: Definitions cover important electrical and mechanical characteristics such as damping circuits (snubber circuits), DC grading resistors, heat sinks, valve voltages, currents, control methodologies, and protection mechanisms.

• Operational Parameters: The terminology includes performance parameters for conduction directions, commutation processes, and control angles that are fundamental to HVDC valve operation.

Applications

IEC 60700-2 terminology is applied extensively in:

• HVDC Power Transmission Systems: Providing clear terminology aids in the design, specification, and operation of thyristor valves in HVDC lines, which are critical for long-distance and high-capacity electricity transfer.

• Electrical Equipment Manufacturing: Manufacturers align design documentation and product specifications with this standard to ensure compatibility and compliance with global HVDC systems.

• Control and Protection Systems: Terminology supports the development of valve control units (TCUs) and protection devices by defining key operational parameters and components.

• Engineering and Training: Engineers, technicians, and educators leverage this terminology to improve understanding and communication regarding HVDC converter technologies.

• International Collaboration: The standard fosters uniform communication between international stakeholders, including utilities, system integrators, and certification bodies.

Related Standards

• IEC 60027 Series: Letter symbols used in electrical technology are referenced for standard symbolic notations.

• IEC 60633: Terminology specifically related to high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission is normatively referenced to complement the thyristor valve terminology.

• IEC 60700 Series: The overall series covers various aspects of thyristor valves for HVDC power transmission, with Part 1 dealing with general requirements beyond terminology.

Practical Value

Adopting IEC 60700-2 terminology ensures:

• Consistent Communication across vendors, engineers, and operators in the HVDC sector.
• Enhanced Safety and Reliability by providing accurate terms for valve control and protection mechanisms.
• Improved Design Accuracy by aligning component definitions and operational parameters.
• Streamlined Global Standards Compliance facilitating certification and regulatory approval.

This terminology standard is an indispensable tool for professionals involved in the deployment and management of high voltage direct current power transmission systems, particularly those involving thyristor valve technologies.

For more information, the IEC Webstore and Electropedia provide access to the latest documents and online terminological databases relevant to HVDC technology and power electronics.