GE Energy Connections is to help deliver Europe’s first medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) link as part of Scottish Power Energy Network’s Angle-DC project in Anglesey and North Wales.
The project aims to demonstrate a novel network reinforcement technique by converting an existing 33kV AC circuit to DC to enable improved power flow and voltage control.
Converting AC assets to DC will also enhance the thermal capability of the circuit, GE said.
GE’s AC-to-DC converters will be located at a 33kV substation in Bangor and at a similar facility on the Isle of Anglesey.
The 12 units of MV7000 converters at each substation will convert 33kV AC to ±27kV DC using the existing AC lines between the two substations.
GE will also provide the Visor 2 asset management tool that provides remote connectivity to improve service responsiveness, and Data Historian software that allows data collection, processing and storage, as part of the installation.
The data will allow SP Energy Networks to review the capabilities of the MVDC system and gather insights to develop optimum control algorithms for the distribution system, GE said.
Scottish Power Energy Networks lead engineer Kevin Smith said: “As electricity demand and the connection of renewable generation continues to grow, the existing network infrastructure struggles to cope and additional reinforcement becomes necessary.
“The Angle-DC project, being the first of its kind, will hopefully demonstrate that using MVDC on existing assets can be a more innovative alternative to simply building more substations along with the connecting underground cables and overhead lines.”
GE Power Conversion industry segment leader Sascha Heinecke said: “The project is a first of its kind in the UK and Europe. This is a significant step forward in the power transmission and distribution segment.”
Image: Bangor substation (GE)
