Influence of VSC HVDC on transient stability: Case study of the Belgian grid

The study presented in this paper determines the optimal location for the Belgian substation of a potential Belgium-UK VSC HVDC connection from stability considerations. Two locations are taken into consideration: Zeebrugge and Eeklo-Noord. This study analyzes the impact of the VSC HVDC connection on the transient stability of the Belgian grid. The main focus lies on large-disturbance rotor angle stability of the production units in Herdersbrug. The generators of Herdersbrug are located close to the VSC substation in both scenarios. The evolution of the grid voltage in time following a large disturbance is analyzed briefly. The UK side of the connection is not analyzed in this study. Load flow analyses and dynamic simulations are performed. Active modulation of the VSC HVDC connection is not applied in this study. The load flow results show that static stability is maintained with the installation of a VSC HVDC connection. Power system stability is maintained in the simulated scenarios. The dynamic simulations indicate Zeebrugge as the preferred location for the VSC HVDC substation.