Overview
IEC TR 63179-1:2020 - "Guideline for planning of HVDC systems – Part 1: HVDC systems with line-commutated converters (LCC)" provides guidance for selecting and planning high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission schemes that use line-commutated converters. The report addresses the planning lifecycle and decision process for integrating LCC‑HVDC into AC power networks, covering technical, economic, regulatory and environmental factors. It is explicitly intended for the planning phase and notes that project‑specific aspects may require further detailed studies during system design.
Key topics and requirements
The Technical Report organizes practical planning topics that planners and engineers use to evaluate HVDC versus AC alternatives and to define an HVDC solution. Key topics include:
- Comparison of HVDC and AC alternatives: transmission capacity, operational requirements, system fault and stability behavior, reactive power/voltage regulation, cost and non‑technical factors.
- HVDC solution options and circuit topologies: monopolar, bipolar and rigid bipolar configurations and selection considerations for converter stations.
- Main equipment and interface requirements: converter assemblies, AC filters, and DC conductors; interface criteria between the AC network and HVDC.
- Key DC rating parameters: guidance on selecting rated DC power, voltage and current and consideration of overloads and expandability.
- Routing and siting: converter station sites, electrode stations, overhead lines, submarine and land cable routes.
- Control, protection and stability requirements: basic and supplementary HVDC control, protection schemes, short‑circuit ratio (SCR) implications, multi‑infeed interactions and sub‑synchronous torsional interaction (SSTI) assessments.
- Security of supply and stability analysis: network connection criteria, effective inertia considerations and procedures for stability studies.
- Economic comparison and decision framework: cost drivers, sensitivity analysis and indexes to support the recommended solution.
Normative references include IEC 60633 (HVDC vocabulary).
Practical applications and users
This guideline is practical for professionals involved in transmission planning and early project definition, including:
- Transmission planners and system operators evaluating long‑distance or bulk power links
- Utilities and grid developers preparing feasibility and option‑selection studies
- Engineering consultants performing technical and economic comparisons of HVDC vs AC solutions
- Regulators, project financiers and stakeholders assessing environmental, social and policy trade‑offs
Use cases include inter‑area power transfers, asynchronous interconnections, long submarine or land cable links, and projects where controllability, stability or routing constraints favor LCC‑HVDC.
Related standards (if applicable)
- IEC 60633 - High‑voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission: Vocabulary
- Other IEC and national HVDC/grid code documents and standards referenced during detailed design and compliance studies.