HVDC and Hybrid DC/AC Technologies for Reconfigurable Energy Islands
Future plans for construction of both onshore and offshore Energy Islands assume a whole set of new design and operational challenges based on inherent flexibility of hybrid DC/AC networks and HVDC technologies. The conventional approach to integration of renewable sources uses either their direct connection to AC grids or an application of point-to-point, single vendor HVDC solutions. Expandable and reconfigurable Energy Islands as a validated concept will represent a unique solution that combines technological and market aspects of energy production and multi-vector demand with the availability of renewable sources.
The aim of HVDC4ISLANDS is to address and improve principal operational and economic aspects of Energy Islands and, in particular, to introduce the necessary concept of expandability to HVDC and hybrid DC/AC systems. New solutions for control, operation and protection of multi-terminal hybrid DC/AC grids will be sought and then validated using HIL and PHIL approaches.
Offshore platforms acting as Energy Islands already generate large amounts of renewable energy, typically through offshore wind farms, and use it to power surrounding regions. There are several planned projects in Europe to construct such islands in order to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate targets. HVDC4ISLANDS aims to address the objectives defined in this Call Module CM2023-01 Direct current (DC) technologies for power networks and to respond to the main R&I gaps and challenges identified in the framework of SET Plan, such as interoperability, energy management solutions, voltage and power level management, hybrid DC distribution converters, optimal design and operation concepts for hybrid grids (HVDC and HVAC), clear understanding and simulations of the dynamics of a power grid with high penetration of power electronics, and operational and control principles for multi-terminal HVDC and MVDC networks, as well as hybrid AC/DC networks.
The proposed expandability features will inherently lead to reduction of maintenance and operation related costs, improved system monitoring and diagnostics and reduced environmental impact of transmission grids. Furthermore, among the expected impacts are the availability of validated solutions for the control, operation, and protection of DC and hybrid networks, the promotion and fostering of European leadership in solutions and technologies related to the operation and control of DC networks, and the enabling of the concept of energy islands both onshore and offshore to optimize the integration of renewable energy sources in a multi-vector energy system.
Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP-2023-00045 / PCI2024-155045-2)
