Overview
IEC TR 62978:2017 is a Technical Report that provides practical guidelines for asset management of HVDC installations. It consolidates best practices from asset owners, operators, manufacturers and regulators for managing HVDC systems - primarily for Line‑Commutated Converter (LCC) technology and generally applicable to Voltage‑Sourced Converter (VSC) installations (excluding VSC‑specific equipment). The report focuses on strategic and operational asset‑management perspectives, lifecycle decision making, maintenance and documentation. Note: supplier or OEM additional recommendations in the TR are guidance and non‑obligatory unless the customer explicitly requires them.
Key Topics
- Asset definition and components: overview of HVDC facilities, major components and typical layouts (converter stations, transformers, reactors, valves, control & protection).
- Asset management policy & strategy: frameworks for establishing ownership, performance targets and governance.
- Risk management: risk assessment parameters and practices tailored to HVDC systems.
- Life‑cycle activities: decision processes for capital replacement, life extension, run‑to‑failure and refurbishment strategies, including life‑cycle costing and spares planning.
- Maintenance practices: scheduled and condition‑based maintenance methods, special tools, strategic spare parts and storage considerations (thyristor valve, converter transformer, reactors highlighted).
- Change management & training: workforce skill retention, training needs for design, commissioning, operation and maintenance.
- Reliability & availability: performance monitoring, outage accounting, verification and methods to achieve high operational performance.
- Documentation & records: “as‑built” data, manuals, inventory lists, software/hardware design documents and information management.
Applications
IEC TR 62978 is intended for practical use by:
- Asset owners and operators planning lifecycle strategies, maintenance regimes and availability targets for HVDC links.
- Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers preparing technical recommendations, spare strategies and commissioning support.
- Project managers and engineers involved in design, commissioning and refurbishment of HVDC stations.
- Regulators and planners assessing reliability, asset performance and co‑ownership arrangements.
Practical applications include lifecycle cost forecasting, spares sharing arrangements for co‑owned projects, maintenance scheduling, workforce development and performance verification.
Related Standards (if applicable)
IEC TR 62978 complements other IEC publications covering HVDC technology and national/regional asset‑management frameworks. Organizations often align TR 62978 guidance with formal asset‑management standards and utility regulations when defining contractual and operational requirements.
Keywords: IEC TR 62978, HVDC asset management, HVDC installations, lifecycle costing, risk management, maintenance, reliability, availability, spares strategy.