Overview
IEC TS 63014-1:2018 provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for specifying equipment on the DC side of high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems utilizing line-commutated converters. Developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this technical specification focuses on point-to-point and back-to-back HVDC schemes, excluding the converter valves. It addresses a broad range of auxiliary DC-side equipment located between the converter valves and the DC line or cable termination, aiming to ensure consistency and clarity for HVDC project designers, manufacturers, and utilities.
Standardization of DC-side equipment is essential due to the rapid evolution of HVDC technology and the growing demand for reliable long-distance power transmission. While many product standards exist for AC applications, this document clarifies the unique requirements for DC-side components and supplements areas lacking dedicated DC standards.
Key Topics
IEC TS 63014-1:2018 covers the following major topics related to DC-side equipment in HVDC systems using line-commutated converters:
- Scope of DC-side equipment: Guidelines for equipment between converter valves and line/cable terminations, explicitly excluding converter valves themselves.
- Switching devices: Definitions and requirements for high-speed DC switches, DC commutation switches, disconnectors, earthing switches, bypass switches, line and converter paralleling switches.
- Filter components: Design considerations for DC filter capacitors, auxiliary capacitors, harmonic filter resistors, filter reactors, and DC neutral bus capacitors.
- Surge protection: Specification for DC-side surge arresters, including operating voltages and energy dissipation capabilities.
- Instrument transformers: Application and specifications for DC current and voltage transformers, as well as current transformers in DC filter circuits.
- Insulation coordination: Guidance for selecting and testing insulators and bushings, considering DC-specific stresses and interfaces.
- Monitoring systems: Requirements for monitoring equipment for electrode lines and dedicated metallic return paths, supporting operational reliability.
These topics aim to create clear, harmonized requirements for DC equipment that ensures safe, reliable, and efficient HVDC transmission.
Applications
IEC TS 63014-1:2018 finds practical application in:
- Design and specification of HVDC projects: Assisting engineers, manufacturers, and consultants in selecting and specifying suitable DC-side equipment for new and existing HVDC schemes.
- System integration: Ensuring compatibility between components through internationally aligned guidelines, reducing the risk of equipment failure or incompatibility.
- Testing and validation: Providing references for appropriate testing conditions and performance criteria for DC-side components, leveraging both existing AC standards and tailored DC requirements.
- Asset protection and maintenance: Outlining the specification of surge arresters, insulation, and monitoring necessary for reliable HVDC system operation and long service life.
By adhering to the technical requirements of IEC TS 63014-1:2018, stakeholders can achieve better system performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety for DC-side HVDC installations.
Related Standards
IEC TS 63014-1:2018 references and aligns with several other important IEC standards, including:
- IEC 60700 series: Covers converter valves excluded from this document’s scope.
- IEC 62271 series: Relating to switchgear, disconnectors, and earthing switches.
- IEC 60099-9: Surge arresters for HVDC converter stations.
- IEC 61869 series: Instrument transformers, including parts specific to DC applications.
- IEC 60071-5: Insulation coordination for HVDC converter stations.
- IEC TS 60815-4: Selection and dimensioning of insulators for DC systems.
- IEC/IEEE 65700-19-03: Bushings for DC application.
For systems based on voltage-sourced converters (VSC), a future second part of IEC 63014 will provide relevant guidelines.
Adopting IEC TS 63014-1:2018 supports robust specification and international harmonization for equipment in HVDC systems, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient power transmission infrastructure worldwide.