Overview
IEC TR 60919-2:2008 is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) technical report that provides comprehensive guidance on the transient performance and fault protection requirements for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems utilizing line-commutated converters (LCC). The focus of this standard is the behavior of two-terminal HVDC transmission systems, particularly during faults and switching scenarios. It addresses key aspects affecting the reliability, safety, and control of HVDC systems using 12-pulse converter units with three-phase bridge connections, typically employing thyristor valves and gapless metal oxide arresters for insulation coordination.
This report is part of a broader series on HVDC system performance, accompanying IEC TR 60919-1 (steady-state conditions) and IEC TR 60919-3 (dynamic performance). It acts as a reference for system designers, operators, and stakeholders, ensuring consistent, internationally recognized approaches to HVDC system specification and operation.
Key Topics
IEC TR 60919-2:2008 covers a range of key topics relevant to HVDC system performance during faults and switching operations:
- Switching Transients without Faults: Includes energization and de-energization of AC side equipment, load rejection, start-up/shut-down of converter units, and DC breaker operations.
- AC System Faults: Categorization of faults, transient performance specification, power transfer implications, and post-fault recovery.
- Faults in Reactive Power Equipment and AC Bus: Protection and transient overvoltages in AC filters, reactors, and busbars.
- Converter Unit Faults: Analysis and protection of converter units, including response to short circuits, valve protection, transformer protection, and commutation failure prevention.
- DC Side Equipment Faults: Fault types and protection for DC reactors, DC filters, and other DC infrastructure.
- DC Line and Earth Electrode Line Faults: Characteristics, detection requirements, protection sequences, and considerations for overhead lines, cables, and return conductors.
- Insulation Coordination: Guidance for surge arresters, overvoltage protection, and ensuring adequate insulation clearances and creepage distances.
- Telecommunication and Auxiliary System Requirements: Specifications for communication reliability and auxiliary system performance.
Applications
IEC TR 60919-2:2008 is widely applicable in the planning, design, and operation of HVDC transmission projects. Its practical value is realized in scenarios such as:
- New HVDC System Procurement: Use as a reference to develop project-specific transient and fault performance specifications for two-terminal HVDC schemes.
- System Upgrades and Modernization: Assists in evaluating and enhancing the fault response and reliability of existing HVDC installations.
- Protection System Design: Provides guidance for engineers in developing effective fault detection, isolation, and protective relaying strategies tailored to HVDC system topologies.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures system developers and operators meet international benchmarks for transient performance and safety.
- Training and Knowledge Transfer: Acts as a foundational document for educating engineers and operational staff on HVDC system transient behaviors, fault management, and best practices in protection engineering.
Related Standards
For comprehensive HVDC system engineering, IEC TR 60919-2:2008 should be considered alongside related international standards and technical reports, including:
- IEC TR 60919-1: Performance of HVDC systems with line-commutated converters - Part 1: Steady-state conditions
- IEC TR 60919-3: Performance of HVDC systems with line-commutated converters - Part 3: Dynamic conditions
- IEC 60146 Series: Semiconductor converters – covering general requirements, application guides, transformers, and reactors
- IEC 60633: Terminology for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission
- IEC 60071-1: Insulation coordination – Terms, definitions, principles, and rules
- IEC 60700-1: Thyristor valves for HVDC power transmission – Part 1: Electrical testing
Conclusion
IEC TR 60919-2:2008 is an essential technical report for anyone involved in the specification, design, or operation of line-commutated converter HVDC transmission systems. It provides a structured foundation for managing switching and fault-induced transients, ensuring sustainable and safe HVDC system performance in alignment with international expectations and evolving technologies in power transmission. This supports efficient global integration, reliable power transfer, and robust protection in high-voltage DC infrastructure projects.