HVDC Back-to-Back
FACTS: Powering Grid
Stability
Applications and Potential in Pakistan
Presented by
Muhammad Sikandar Ejaz
MSEE 23-25
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What is HVDC Back-to-Back ?
• A FACTS device connecting two AC grids via a
DC link with a rectifier and an inverter in the
same station.
• No long DC transmission line; converters are
co-located (short DC link, ~150 kV or lower).
• Enables asynchronous grid interconnection and
power flow control.
• Key components: Rectifiers, inverters, and
control systems (thyristors or IGBTs).
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under
• https://www.hitachienergy.com/us/en/products- CC BY-SA
and-solutions/hvdc/back-to-back
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Operating Principle
• AC from one grid is converted to DC
by a rectifier.
• DC is summed and inverted back to AC
for the second grid.
• Controls firing angles of
thyristors/IGBTs to regulate power
flow and voltage.
• Benefits: Stabilizes asynchronous
grids, reduces short-circuit currents. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under
CC BY
• https://engineering.fandom.com/wiki/
HVDC
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Worldwide Use
• Inter-grid Connection: Links asynchronous
AC grids (e.g., Châteauguay, Canada-NYPA).
• Renewable Integration: Supports wind
farms (e.g., Caithness-Moray, Scotland).
• Stability Enhancement: Reduces
oscillations in systems like Tomsk, Russia.
• Examples: Vyborg (Russia-Finland, 1065
MW), Mackinac (USA).
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
384758488_Analysis_of_Optimal_HVDC_Back
-to-
Back_Placement_Based_on_Composite_Syste
m_Reliability This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
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HVDC Back-to-Back in Pakistan
• Limited current use due to
infrastructure costs and grid
complexity.
• Used in pilot projects for grid
stability in weak or asynchronous
systems.
• Potential in interconnecting regional
grids with differing frequencies.
• Supports renewable integration
(e.g., wind farms in Sindh).
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HVDC Back-to-Back in Pakistan
• ABB. (2018). ABB wins order for HVDC
converter stations in Tajikistan and Pakistan.
• Power technology, September 26, 2018. Details
ABB’s $330 million contract to supply HVDC
converter stations for the CASA-1000 project,
enabling transmission of 1.3 GW of hydropower
from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan over
800 km. The project includes back-to-back HVDC
systems to facilitate cross-border energy trade.
• https://www.power-technology.com/
news/abb-wins-330m-order-hvdc-
converter-stations-tajikistan-pakistan/
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Prospects for HVDC Back-to-Back in Pakistan
• Grid Modernization: Enhances
stability for Pakistan’s weak grid
systems.
• Renewable Energy: Integrates
solar and wind from remote areas.
• Energy Trading: Facilitates power
exchange with neighboring
countries.
• Challenges: High initial costs, need
for technical expertise, and
infrastructure.
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Prospects for HVDC Back-to-Back
in Pakistan
• NS Energy. (2020). Matiari-Lahore
HVDC Transmission Project.
• NS Energy, May 18, 2020. Describes the 878 km,
±660 kV HVDC line under CPEC, capable of
transmitting 4 GW, constructed by China Electric
Power Equipment and Technology (CET). Notes
its role in connecting the southern generation to
the northern load centers, with potential back-to-
back applications.
• https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/
projects/matiari-lahore-hvdc-
transmission-project/
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Research and Development in Pakistan
• Research on VSC-based HVDC
systems at universities like NUST
and UET.
• Focus on integrating HVDC with
renewables for grid stability.
• Pilot studies on back-to-back systems
for asynchronous grid coupling.
• Collaboration with international
firms (e.g., Siemens, Hitachi) for
technology transfer.
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Châteauguay: A Global Benchmark
• Overview: Largest HVDC back-to-
back in North America (Canada-
NYPA).
• Specs: 1000 MW capacity, links
Hydro-Québec with New York grids.
• Impact: Enables stable power
exchange between asynchronous
grids.
• Pakistan Relevance: Model for
cross-border energy trading (e.g.,
CASA-1000).
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HVDC Back-to-Back vs. Other FACTS
• HVDC Back-to-Back: Best for
asynchronous grid interconnection,
fast power control.
• UPFC: Comprehensive voltage and
power flow control, but complex and
costly.
• STATCOM: Superior for reactive
power but limited to shunt
compensation.
• Advantage: HVDC back-to-back excels
in stability for non-synchronized grids.
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HVDC Back-to-Back: A Path to Grid Resilience
• HVDC back-to-back enhances grid
stability and renewable integration.
• Pakistan can benefit from its use in
weak grids and regional energy
trade.
• Global examples like Châteauguay
show proven success.
• Call to Action: Invest in R&D and
infrastructure for HVDC adoption
in Pakistan.
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