MID-LIFE REFURBISHMENT OF AN HVDC INTERCONNECTOR CONTROL SYSTEM

The Moyle Interconnector, commissioned in 2001, is a High Voltage Direct Current interconnector, linking the Scottish and Northern Irish 275kV transmission systems. Owned as a mutualised asset by Mutual Energy Limited, Moyle delivers cost-benefit to Northern Ireland’s energy consumers. Moyle uses Line Commutated Converter technology and is now in the process of a mid-life control system upgrade. This paper describes the overall project and discusses some of the key areas such as the changing operating environment, and the functionality being added to address these changes. It also considers how the replacement control system will be tested. The primary improvements are the use of a ‘round power’ mode to remove an existing deadband, more sophisticated ancillary services, and the use of a replica control system to improve risk management.