MEDIUM VOLTAGE DIRECT CURRENT (MVDC), A NEW SYSTEM FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERABILITY OF ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION GRIDS

Abstract

The challenges in the operation of the electricity grids of the future, especially due to an increase in demand and connected distributed generation, are forcing utilities to propose solutions that improve the controllability and capacity of the grids. The connection of direct current links in medium voltage (MVDC) may be one of these solutions whose features could improve the efficiency and flexibility of these networks. The aim of this article is to describe this technology, its basic operation and different control strategies, and to indicate the applications that these links currently have, with special emphasis on those that will improve operation and control in medium-voltage distribution networks, some of which are already in operation. KEYWORDS: MVDC, VSC, distribution grids, direct current links, independent power control