SuperNode, in collaboration with KU Leuven and the University of Strathclyde, have released an innovative new study, ‘Operating the Grid of Tomorrow: A Meshed DC Overlay Grid’.
This study demonstrates a feasible approach to the architecture, operation and protection of a high-capacity meshed DC Overlay Grid that interfaces with existing AC Grids in a decarbonised system. This study was the first of its kind in demonstrating this approach for a continental-scale grid.
In the face of aging infrastructure and the urgent need to transition towards renewable sources, traditional grid systems are encountering unprecedented challenges. We need to redesign the energy grid to transmit power through much further distances, from where renewable resources are strongest to inland demand centres. The EU Action Plan for Grids and the IEA’s special report for grids call for a meshed offshore grid, providing resilience and ensuring security of supply during faults, when operating at high capacities.
The key outcomes of the study were:
- Successful demonstration of first ever feasible approach to the development, operation, protection & control of a continental-scale DC Overlay grid.
- The Control Strategy enacted was effective, demonstrating;
- Balanced power flow control in normal operation
- System stability maintained in all contingency scenarios examined
- Controllability of high-capacity DC grid with high volume power converter based-resources.
- Demonstrated that increased RES generation and transmission capacity can be achieved through the increased system flexibility enabled by a meshed DC Overlay grid
For further details, you can review the White Paper here: Operating the Grid of Tomorrow – A Meshed DC Overlay Grid