HVDC Digital Twin – concepts and roadmap

The rapid advancement of HVDC technology is a testament to the growing need for efficient and reliable power transmission systems. The integration of digital technologies into HVDC systems is not just a trend but a necessity to meet the increasing demands for energy efficiency, reliability and to accelerate energy transition.

 

Digitalization in HVDC systems involves the use of advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor and manage the performance of HVDC assets. This real-time monitoring capability is crucial for detecting potential issues before they escalate into major problems. For instance, sensors can continuously monitor parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and vibrations, providing a comprehensive view of the system’s health. This data can be analyzed using advanced algorithms to predict potential failures and schedule maintenance activities proactively.

 

The concept of digital twins (DT) takes digitalization a step further by creating virtual replicas of physical HVDC systems as shown Figure 1. These digital twins can simulate various operating conditions and predict the system’s response to different scenarios. Data analytics such as physics-based models, machine learning (ML) models, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, hybrid models, and statistical tools help identify optimization opportunities, evaluate the impact of operational changes such as dynamic overloading, and test maintenance strategies without affecting the physical HVDC System. Prognostics involve forecasting the future performance and health of the whole HVDC System and/or key assets, estimating the remaining useful life, and assessing the probability of failure. This capability is invaluable for optimizing the performance of HVDC systems and extending their operational life. By simulating different maintenance strategies, operators can determine the most effective approach without disrupting the actual system.

 

Figure 1: The Digital Twin concept

 

CIGRE working group B4.101 was established to study and discuss the application of the digital twin concept to HVDC Converter Stations. The group aims to identify the processes within the HVDC system lifecycle that could benefit the most from the digital twin concept, such as design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance, assets life management, and real-time data monitoring. Additionally, the group seeks to determine how models can be shared and enhanced throughout the HVDC system lifecycle and define priorities for future developments.

 

The working group will focus on the digital twin concept for the main assets of HVDC systems, including converter station equipment (such as converters, control and protection systems), DC cable terminations and accessories, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), high voltage (HV) switchgear, DC bushings, and instrument transformers. The WG will center on reviewing and proposing harmonized digital twin models for HVDC system performance and lifetime in following steps.

 

1. Literature Review: review of existing literature on digital twins and supporting solutions applied to HVDC systems. This review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state of the art and identifying gaps that need to be addressed
2. Definition Proposal: propose A CIGRE definition for HVDC digital twins which will outline the essential features and capabilities that a digital twin model should possess and identify common features in the digital twin model of an HVDC system. This definition will help ensure that digital twin models are consistent and interoperable, facilitating their adoption across the industry.
3. Lifecycle Process Identification: identify key processes that can benefit from digital twins will provide valuable insights for HVDC system operators and manufacturers. By understanding how digital twins can be used to enhance different aspects of the HVDC lifecycle, stakeholders can make informed decisions about where to invest their resources.
4. Roadmap Development: create a roadmap for future developments that will outline the key research and development priorities, standardization efforts, and practical implementation strategies needed to fully realize the potential of digital twins, for practitioners to upgrade current early twin modules to complete HVDC digital twins and apply the methodology to other assets.
5. Guidelines Recommendations: make recommendations for standardization (data, models, etc.) that will facilitate the sharing and integration of digital twin models across different HVDC systems and applications. This will ensure that the benefits of digitalization are fully realized, leading to improved efficiency, reliability, and performance of HVDC systems.

 

These steps will enable advancements in DT modeling, provide insights into HVDC system health through condition assessment and diagnostics, guide maintenance practices, explore the potential of digital twin technology, and facilitate the interpretation of critical monitoring data.

 

The working group will cooperate and coordinate with other working groups focusing on digital twin components, such as JWG A2/D2.65 “Transformer Digital Twin – concept and future perspectives”. This collaboration will ensure that efforts are not duplicated and that the work aligns with other relevant groups, such as those working on IEC 61850 standards. If the HVDC digital twin model is recommended for inclusion, cooperation with advisory group B4.04 and WG B4.89 on the condition health maintenance of HVDC converter stations will be required.

 

The integration of digital technologies into HVDC systems represents a significant advancement in the field of power transmission. The concept of digital twins offers immense potential for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and performance of HVDC systems. By creating virtual replicas of physical systems, digital twins enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization of HVDC assets. The integration of digital twins into HVDC systems represents a significant step forward in the digitalization of the energy sector. By leveraging the power of digital twins, the industry can enhance the management of HVDC assets, optimize maintenance practices, and extend the operational life of HVDC systems.

 

References

1. Microsoft Word - TOR WG B4 104 _Signed TC Chair.docx (cigre.org)
2. Microsoft Word - TOR A2_D2.65 Signed TC Chair.docx (cigre.org)
3. TOR-WG B4_89 _Condition Health Monitoring and predictive maintenance of HVDC Converter Stations-rev1.pdf (cigre.org)