Boundaries of Operation for Refurbished Parallel AC–DC Reconfigurable Links in Distribution Grids

Abstract

Hybrid ac–dc reconfigurable link technology can find interesting applications in medium-voltage power distribution. These are networks having dc links operating in parallel alongside ac links with post-fault reconfiguration capability. A given system can operate in different configurations while maintaining equivalent capacity during (n−1) contingencies using reconfigurability. This paper provides a method for the ideal selection of the link configuration by defining the efficiency and economic viability boundaries with varying operating power demand and power factor. A sensitivity analysis with parameters such as grid voltage, link length, conductor area, and converter efficiency as well as economic factors such as converter cost and link conductor installation cost is discussed. The study identifies the operating zones wherein the refurbished parallel ac–dc reconfigurable distribution links can be an efficient and economically preferred option of delivering power as compared to a system with only ac or dc links.