Overview
IEC TS 63336:2024 - Commissioning of VSC HVDC systems is a technical specification from the IEC that defines guidance for on‑site commissioning of voltage‑sourced converter (VSC) high‑voltage direct‑current (HVDC) systems. The scope covers an HVDC transmission solution composed of two converter stations and the connecting HVDC transmission line. It focuses on planning and executing on‑site tests that verify subsystem and whole‑system functionality, and it provides test scopes, procedures and acceptance criteria for commissioning activities. Note: factory system tests, routine on‑site equipment tests, earth electrode tests, and trial operation are explicitly excluded.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Commissioning process and stages: structured guidance for pre‑commissioning, subsystem testing, system testing, high‑voltage energisation, converter‑station tests and transmission tests.
- Test classification and objectives: clear description of test types (subsystem vs system), sequence and test purposes.
- Subsystem test areas: power/control/communication cabling, main circuit equipment, AC protections and interlocks, SCADA/remote interfaces, auxiliary systems (cooling, auxiliary power, fire protection, HVAC), transmission monitoring and electrode monitoring.
- High‑voltage energisation procedures: staged energisation of AC switchyards, filters, interface transformers and blocked converters with preconditions and acceptance criteria.
- Converter station commissioning: first deblock actions, protective action verification, reactive and active power control testing, control‑mode changes and step‑response verification.
- Transmission tests: energisation of the HVDC transmission line, first power transfer, protective actions, active/reactive power control, power reversal and dynamic step responses.
- Acceptance criteria and test documentation: emphasis on objective pass/fail criteria, required preconditions and documented test procedures for safe, repeatable commissioning.
Applications and who uses this standard
IEC TS 63336:2024 is intended for organizations involved in planning and executing commissioning of VSC HVDC projects, including:
- Transmission system operators (TSOs) and utilities
- Project owners and asset managers
- Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors
- HVDC equipment manufacturers and system integrators
- Commissioning engineers, test teams and third‑party testing laboratories
- Regulators and safety assessors requiring documented commissioning evidence
Benefits include safer, more efficient commissioning, reduced project risk, consistent test coverage across converter stations and transmission lines, and clearer technical acceptance criteria.
Related standards
Refer to other IEC standards and industry documents covering HVDC system design, protection, control and electrical testing for complementary requirements (standards on HVDC technology, control/protection interfaces, and high‑voltage testing). For project compliance, use IEC TS 63336:2024 alongside applicable national and utility specifications.
Keywords: IEC TS 63336:2024, VSC HVDC commissioning, HVDC systems, commissioning tests, converter station, HVDC transmission line.