In my next few blogs, I will provide an overview of Voltage
Source Converter (VSC) HVDC technology and its suitability for
Smart Grids operation and control discussed. VSC HVDC is based
upon transistor technology and was developed in the 1990′s. The
switching element is the Insulated Gate Bipolar Thyristor
(IGBT), which can be switched on and off by applying a suitable
voltage to the gate (steering electrode). Because of the more
switching operations, and the nature of the semiconductor
devices itself, the converter losses are generally higher than
those of HVDC classic converters. VSC HVDC is commonly used with
underground or submarine cables with a transfer capacity in the
range of 10 – 1000 MW, and is suitable to serve as a connection
to a wind farm or supply a remote load. VSC HVDC technology has
very fast steer and control functionality and is suitable for
meshed networks. It is characterised by compactness of the
converter stations, due to the reduced need for AC harmonic
filters and reactive power comp