From Smart Grid to Super Grid: Solutions with HVDC and FACTS for grid access of renewable energy sources

Innovative solutions with HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) and FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) have the potential to cope with the system planning and operational challenges of global climate developments and the call for changes in the way electricity is supplied. New power electronic technologies with self-commutated converters make advanced technical features possible, such as independent control of active and reactive power, and the capability to supply weak or passive networks. As part of the overall planning considerations, this paper presents the fundamental system planning, modeling and operational challenges of connecting large wind farms (both onshore and offshore) via long transmission systems, as well as the practical applications of traditional and new power electronic technologies.