Evaluation of an HVDC Light alternative to VITR (230 Kv)
Evaluation of HVDC Light as an Alternative for the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Prepared by:
Dr. Mohamed Rashwan
TransGrid Solutions Inc.
Winnipeg, MB
April 6, 2005
Conclusion
An HVDC LightTM option for VITR rated 600 MW has been compared to one 3 phase 230 kV ac circuit rated the same. The two systems were compared from the standpoint of:
• Technical performance
• Energy losses
• Reliability
• Costs
• Environmental impacts
For VITR, HVDC LightTM is more expensive to construct, has higher losses, and costs more to maintain than the 230 kV ac alternative. It does not offer any technical advantage in this situation simply because:
• Vancouver Island is not a weak ac system, where the HVDC is the only in feed.
• The reactive power support and its control on the island is not a problem.
• There already exists a strong ac connection between Vancouver Island and the mainland via the two 500 kV ac cables.