HVDC with voltage source converters - a powerful standby black start facility

Abstract

This paper deals with the black start function of VSC based HVDC. The voltage and frequency characteristics of VSC HVDC during different stages of network restoration will be described. The differences and similarities between the traditional black start units and VSC HVDC will be highlighted. Results by plots from field testing will be illustrated. The verification of expected performance by field testing indicates that HVDC made of voltage source converters is an ideal standby facility for black start and restoration of an ac grid, in addition to the normal function of power transmission with independent active and reactive power control.