IEC TR 63368:2024 PDF

Overview

IEC TR 63368:2024 - Control and protection systems for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems – Off-site real-time simulation testing - is an IEC Technical Report that provides practical guidance for off-site, real-time simulation tests of HVDC control and protection (C&P) systems. It is intended for use after individual C&P device testing and prior to on-site commissioning. The report covers point-to-point, back-to-back and multi‑terminal HVDC configurations using line-commutated converters (LCC), voltage‑sourced converters (VSC) and hybrid HVDC technologies.

Key topics and technical requirements

The document organizes tests and requirements into a coherent test program, covering:

• Test environment

  • Real‑time simulator requirements, simulation interface devices and simulation models.
  • Interface and wiring/setup for connecting actual C&P devices to the simulator.

• C&P system components for testing

  • Control devices, protection relays, measurement and monitoring equipment, fault recorders and valve base control devices.

• Functional performance tests (FPT)

  • Steady‑state control tests: energization sequences, reactive power control, tap‑changer behavior, power ramping and overload checks.
  • Dynamic control tests: power/current/voltage step responses, gamma steps, AC‑system related tests including AC disturbance and AC/DC interaction, stability control and restoration scenarios.
  • Protection tests: trip‑logic, converter‑area, DC bus, DC line and filter protection, switch protection and other protection areas.
  • Redundancy and reliability: redundant system failure tests, monitoring/switching behavior and optional electromagnetic interference (EMI) and IT security checks.
  • VSC‑specific tests: control system delay assessments, valve control/protection functions and STATCOM behavior.

• Test reporting

  • Recommended contents and structure of the off‑site real‑time simulation test report.

• Informative annexes

  • Examples of protection areas and faults and a sample method for control system delay testing.

Practical applications and target users

IEC TR 63368:2024 is aimed at organizations involved in HVDC system validation and commissioning, including:

• HVDC OEMs and system integrators conducting off‑site factory acceptance testing
• Transmission utilities and grid operators preparing pre‑commissioning validation
• Third‑party test laboratories and independent verification teams
• Protection and control engineers designing test procedures and acceptance criteria
• Consultants and project managers coordinating C&P validation prior to on‑site tests

The guidance helps reduce on‑site risk, accelerate commissioning, validate control/protection logic and demonstrate compliance with project requirements and grid code obligations.

Related standards

• Published by IEC TC 22F (Power electronics for transmission and distribution).
• The report references related IEC guidance and examples (e.g., IEC/TR 60919‑2 in illustrative figures); users should consult applicable IEC standards and grid codes for normative requirements when preparing tests.