Overview
IEC TS 63042-102:2021 - "UHV AC transmission systems - Part 102: General system design" provides a procedural framework for planning and designing ultra‑high voltage AC (UHV AC) transmission projects. The Technical Specification defines the items to be considered and the studies required to achieve both economic efficiency and high reliability, while accounting for impacts on existing EHV systems. It is aimed at guiding system planners and designers through route selection, capacity assessment, reactive power management and insulation coordination for UHV transmission lines and substations.
Key Topics
- Scope and objectives: Planning and design steps for UHV AC transmission to meet reliability and cost targets; interfaces with EHV networks.
- Required studies: Power-flow, stability, short‑circuit, electromagnetic transient and insulation coordination studies; scenario‑based network planning.
- Analysis tools: Time-domain and steady‑state simulation tools for dynamic, transient and insulation checks.
- Transmission planning issues: Transmission capacity, line routes and types, voltage selection, environmental considerations and topology options.
- Reactive power management: Shunt reactors, series compensation strategies, tertiary compensation at transformer tertiary windings and reactive compensation flowcharts.
- System design details: Reclosing schemes, handling of delayed current‑zero phenomena, protection and control systems, and reliability allocation.
- Insulation design: Cost‑effective insulation coordination procedures, surge arrester energy considerations and air‑gap/clearance design.
- Annex material: Case histories, field and laboratory testing experiences, and technology summaries (UHV transformers, shunt reactors, switchgear, series capacitors, gas‑insulated lines).
Applications
This IEC TS is practical for:
- Transmission planners and system engineers evaluating new UHV AC corridors or upgrades.
- Grid operators and utilities responsible for integrating large bulk power transfers into EHV/UHV networks.
- Consultants and design houses preparing technical specifications, feasibility studies and procurement documentation.
- Manufacturers and testing labs developing UHV equipment and planning laboratory/field validation programs.
- Regulators and project developers assessing environmental, reliability and cost trade‑offs for UHV projects.
Keywords naturally relevant for search: IEC TS 63042-102:2021, UHV AC transmission, UHV AC system planning, ultra‑high voltage, reactive power management, insulation coordination, protection and control, series compensation.
Related standards
Refer to the normative references listed in IEC TS 63042-102:2021 and to other IEC standards covering insulation coordination, surge arresters, high‑voltage switchgear and protection schemes for complementary technical requirements.