Comparison of AC and DC Transmission

ROHINI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
1.2 Comparison of AC and DC transmission

The merits of two modes of transmission (AC & DC) should be compared
based on the following factors.
1) Economics of transmission
2) Technical Performance
3) Reliability
Economics of Power Transmission:
In DC transmission, inductance and capacitance of the line has no effect on the
power transfer capability of the line and the line drop. Also, there is no leakage or
charging current of the line under steady conditions.
A DC line requires only 2 conductors whereas AC line requires 3 conductors in 3-
phase AC systems. The cost of the terminal equipment is more in DC lines than in AC
line. Break-even distance is one at which the cost of the two systems is the same. It is
understood from the below figure that a DC line is economical for long distances which
are greater than the break-even distance.
Figure 1.2.1 Relative costs of AC and DC transmission lines vs distance

[Source: “HVDC Power Transmission Systems” by K.P.Padiyar, page-03]
Technical Performance:
Due to its fast controllability, a DC transmission has full control over transmitted
power, an ability to enhance transient and dynamic stability in associated AC networks
and can limit fault currents in the DC lines. Furthermore, DC transmission overcomes
some of the following problems associated with AC transmission.
EE8017 HIGH VOLTAGE DC TRANSMISSION

Stability Limits:
The power transfer in an AC line is dependent on the angle difference between the
voltage phasors at the two line ends. For a given power transfer level, this angle increases
with distance. The maximum power transfer is limited by the considerations of steady
state and transient stability. The power carrying capability of an AC line is inversely
proportional to transmission distance whereas the power carrying ability of DC lines is
unaffected by the distance of transmission.
Figure 1.2.2 Relative power of AC and DC transmission lines vs distance

[Source: “HVDC Power Transmission Systems” by K.P.Padiyar, page-04]
Voltage Control:
Voltage control in ac lines is complicated by line charging and voltage drops. The
voltage profile in an AC line is relatively flat only for a fixed level of power transfer
corresponding to its Surge Impedance Loading (SIL). The voltage profile varies with the
line loading. For constant voltage at the line ends, the midpoint voltage is reduced for
line loadings higher than SIL and increased for loadings less than SIL.
The maintenance of constant voltage at the two ends requires reactive power
control as the line loading is increased. The reactive power requirements increase with
line length. Although DC converter stations require reactive power related to the power
transmitted, the DC line itself does not require any reactive power. The steady-state
charging currents in AC cables pose serious problems and make the break-even distance
for cable transmission around 50kms.
Line Compensation:
Line compensation is necessary for long distance AC transmission to overcome
the problems of line charging and stability limitations. The increase in power transfer and
voltage control is possible through the use of shunt inductors, series capacitors, Static

Var Compensators (SVCs) and, lately, the new generation Static Compensators
(STATCOMs). In the case of DC lines, such compensation is not needed.
Problems of AC Interconnection:
The interconnection of two power systems through ac ties requires the automatic
generation controllers of both systems to be coordinated using tie line power and
frequency signals. Even with coordinated control of interconnected systems, the
operation of AC ties can be problematic due to:
1. The presence of large power oscillations which can lead to frequent tripping,
2. Increase in fault level, and
3. Transmission of disturbances from one system to the other.
The fast controllability of power flow in DC lines eliminates all of the above
problems. Furthermore, the asynchronous interconnection of two power systems can only
be achieved with the use of DC links.
Ground Impedance:
In AC transmission, the existence of ground (zero sequence) current cannot be
permitted in steady-state due to the high magnitude of ground impedance which will not
only affect efficient power transfer, but also result in telephonic interference. The ground
impedance is negligible for DC currents and a DC link can operate using one conductor
with ground return (monopolar operation).
The ground return is objectionable only when buried metallic structures (such as
pipes) are present and are subject to corrosion with DC current flow. While operating in
the monopolar mode, the AC network feeding the DC converter station operates with
balanced voltages and currents. Hence, single pole operation of dc transmission systems
is possible for extended period, while in AC transmission, single phase operation (or any
unbalanced operation) is not feasible for more than a second.
Disadvantages of DC Transmission:
The scope of application of DC transmission is limited by
1. High cost of conversion equipment.
2. Inability to use transformers to alter voltage levels.
3. Generation of harmonics.
4. Requirement of reactive power and

5. Complexity of controls.
Over the years, there have been significant advances in DC technology, which
have tried to overcome the disadvantages listed above except for (2). These are
1. Increase in the ratings of a thyristor cell that makes up a valve.
2. Modular construction of thyristor valves.
3. Twelve-pulse (and higher) operation of converters.
4. Use of forced commutation.
5. Application of digital electronics and fiber optics in the control of converters.
Reliability:
The reliability of DC transmission systems is good and comparable to that of AC
systems. The reliability of DC links has also been very good.
There are two measures of overall system reliability-energy availability and
transient reliability.
Energy availability:
Energy availability = 100 (1 – equivalent outage time) %
Actual time
Where equivalent outage time is the product of the actual outage time and the
fraction of system capacity lost due to outage.
Transient reliability:
This is a factor specifying the performance of HVDC systems during recordable
faults on the associated AC systems.
Transient reliability = 100 X No. of times HVDC systems performed as designed
No. of recordable AC faults
Recordable AC system faults are those faults which cause one or more AC bus
phase voltages to drop below 90% of the voltage prior to the fault.
Both energy availability and transient reliability of existing DC systems with
thyristor valves is 95% or more.

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ROHINI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

1.2 Comparison of AC and DC transmission

Figure 1.2.1 Relative costs of AC and DC transmission lines vs distance

EE8017 HIGH VOLTAGE DC TRANSMISSION

Figure 1.2.2 Relative power of AC and DC transmission lines vs distance

EE8017 HIGH VOLTAGE DC TRANSMISSION

EE8017 HIGH VOLTAGE DC TRANSMISSION

2. Modular construction of thyristor valves.

3. Twelve-pulse (and higher) operation of converters.

4. Use of forced commutation.

5. Application of digital electronics and fiber optics in the control of converters.

EE8017 HIGH VOLTAGE DC TRANSMISSION

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