Measurement of the electromagnetic environment of HVDC converter stations

The results of an experimental study on the electromagnetic environment of HVDC (high-voltage direct-current) converter stations are presented. Transient EMI (electromagnetic interference) as well as steady-state RI (radio interference) and TVI (television interference) measurements were made at the Arnott station of BC Hydro and the Chateaguay station of Hydro-Quebec. The maximum values of the electric and magnetic fields measured inside the valve halls of Arnott station are 1.8 kV/m and 3.2 A/m; outside, they are 0.28 kV/m and 0.4 A/m respectively. These values cover the range of normal operation, including start-up and stopping of the converter station. During normal operation of the Chateauguay station, maximum electric and magnetic fields of 0.7 kV/m and 1.1 A/m are measured inside the valve hall; outside, they are below the sensitivity of the measuring system. It is recommended that immunity testing be carried out on electronic equipment to be used either inside or outside the valve halls of converter stations at transient electric and magnetic field levels of 5 kV/m and 10 A/m, respectively, with approximately 1 μs risetime and 10 μs duration