search.noResults

search.searching

saml.title
dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
Transmission & distribution | Chubu/Tepco aerial HVDC link


Above: AC/DC converter valve hall Right: Hida converter station


The Hida-Shinano frequency conversion system has entered operation, linking the Shin-Shinano substation (Tepco, 50 Hz) to the Hida converter station (Chubu, 60 Hz), via a 900 MW, 89 km long, aerial HVDC link.


In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011, the new


facility was purpose-built to increase the interconnection capacity between the two areas and enhance power supply security in the event of a major disaster.


Hitachi delivered a line commutated converter system to the project, installed at Hida. The project is the first use of HVDC equipment


in Japan to establish an aerial interconnection between grids operating at different frequencies. Among the challenges were tough climate conditions, with outside temperatures ranging from -30 to +35 °C at a location 1085 m above sea level that often sees two meters of snow accumulate.


Smart way to unlock existing grid capacity


National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) in the UK is using what it describes as “innovative and transformational technology” to unlock 1.5 GW of capacity in the existing grid. The technology is SmartValve™, a “cutting-edge modular power flow control” system supplied by US-based Smart Wires. NGET is installing SmartValve on five circuits at three of its substation sites in the north of England, which makes 500 MW of new network capacity available in each region. As more weather dependent renewables come on to the network, power flows change and circuits become unequally loaded, meaning some circuits reach maximum capacity while others are still well below their limits.


The sites, at Harker in Carlisle, Penwortham in Preston and Saltholme in Stockton-on- Tees, near Middlesbrough, were identified as needing to address bottlenecks. The Smart Wires technology “intelligently and instantly” routes power through the circuits that have available capacity, maximising use of the existing network.


Following these initial installations at the three sites, National Grid is looking to extend the capability at Harker and Penwortham in


the autumn. This could mean freeing up an additional 500 MW of network capacity.


Compelling synergies Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Transmission System Operator, ELES, and Smart Wires have announced a joint agreement which will see dynamic line rating (DLR) technology developed by ELES combined with Smart Wires’ power flow control.


The two technologies offer “compelling synergies”, says Smart Wires. DLR can identify which lines have available capacity and power flow controllers can then intelligently route power to those lines.


The companies anticipate a series of collaborative ventures on different sites. The ELES part of the collaboration will be managed by its recently launched subsidiary Operato, which is focused solely on the implementation of Sumo DTR (dynamic thermal rating) technology. Sumo DTR technology cost efficiently monitors and predicts weather conditions along the whole line to calculate a transmission line’s real-time rating. By using Sumo DTR’s real-time ratings, transmission operators can use higher line ratings without endangering safety or reliability.


22 | May 2021 | www.modernpowersystems.com


Since some circuits reach their maximum rating while others are well below their limits, balancing power flows can eliminate constraints and improve network transfers. Smart Wires’ SmartValve technology can push power off lines that are overloaded or pull power onto lines with spare capacity.


Differentiating it from legacy forms of power flow control, SmartValve is a modular solution which means it is quick and flexible to install and easy to scale or relocate, while Sumo is an advanced DTR system that requires no physical installation of sensors on the conductors. According to ELES director of strategic innovation, Uros Salobir: “Combining these rapidly-installed and low environmental impact technologies is the next logical step in grid innovation as our industry solves problems that facilitate the energy transition.” Smart Wires’ vice president, European business development, Mark Norton commented: “Smart Wires has followed ELES’ journey with great interest over the last few years. We recognised the extremely complementary nature of DLR with our technology, and saw ELES’ unique strength, being both a transmission system operator and a developer of grid technology.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45