In order to meet the increasing demand ofenergy in today’s society while at the same time minimizing theenvironmental impact, renewable energy sources will be requiredto be integrated into the existing energy mix. Technologicaladvances in high voltage direct current (HVDC) grids playa crucial role in making this possible. Therefore the purposeof this project has been to validate the properties of basiccontrol strategies in terms of how they respond to four differentsimulation cases. All simulations have been conducted on asimplified version of the CIGR ́E B4 test grid, consisting offour monopolar HVDC converters. After analyzing the resultsobtained from each control strategy it became evident thatprovided if the benefits of the redundancy introduced by amulti-terminal grid are to be fully utilized, a distributed voltagecontrol should be used. Moreover, after substituting one ofthe four internal controllers with an external one, it becameclear that simply deciding the droop constants based on resultsfrom the simulation model wouldn’t be sufficient for real worldapplications. / För att möta det ökande energibehovet i dagens samhälle, samtidigt som energiproduktionens miljöpåverkan ska minimeras, krävs det att förnyelsebara energikällor integreras i den existerande energimixen. Tekniska framsteg inom högspända likströmsnät (HVDC) spelar en avgörande roll i att göra detta möjligt. Därför har syftet med detta projekt varit att validera egenskaperna hos grundläggande kontrollstrategier efter hur dem reagerar på fyra olika simuleringsfall. Alla simuleringar har genomförts på en förenklad version av CIGRE´ B4 testsystem, bestående av fyra monopolära HVDC omriktare. Efter att analyserat de erhållna resultaten från varje kontrollstrategi blev det uppenbart att om fördelarna med multiterminala elnät skulle uppnås, bör en distribuerad spänningskontroll användas. Dessutom, efter att ha bytt ut en av dem fyra interna kontrollerna med en extern, visade det sig att endast bestämma droppkonstanterna baserat på resultat från simuleringsmodellen inte är tillräckligt för verkliga applikationer. / Kandidatexjobb i elektroteknik 2020, KTH, Stockholm

With the transition towards renewable energy, and the deregulation of the electricity market, generation patterns and grid topology are changing. These changes increase the need for transfer capacity. One limiting factor, which sometimes leads to underutilization of the transmission grid, is interarea oscillations. These system-wide modes involve groups of generators oscillating relative to each other and are sometimes hard to control due to their scale and complexity. In this thesis we investigate how high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission can be used to attenuate interarea oscillations. The thesis has two main contributions. In the first contribution we show how the stability of two asynchronous grids can be improved by modulating the active power of a single interconnecting HVDC link. One concern with modulating HVDC active power is that the interaction between interarea modes of the two grids may have a negative impact on system stability. By studying the controllability Gramian, we show that it is always possible to improve the damping in both grids as long as the frequencies of their interarea modes are not too close. For simplified models, it is explicitly shown how the controllability, and therefore the achievable damping improvements, deteriorates as the frequency difference becomes small. The second contribution of the thesis is to show how coordinated control of two (or more) links can be used to avoid interaction between troublesome interarea modes. We investigate the performance of some multivariable control designs. In particular we look at input usage as well as robustness to measurement, communication, and actuator failures. Suitable controllers are thereby characterized. / Övergången till förnybar energi och avregleringen av elmarknaden leder till förändrade produktions-och överföringsmönster. Dessa förändringar medför behov av en ökad överföringskapacitet. En begränsande faktor, som kan leda till ett underutnyttjande av stamnätet, är interareapendlingar. Dessa systemövergripande pendlingar involverar grupper av generatorer som svänger i förhållande till varandra. Interareapendlingar är ibland svåra att styra på grund av deras skala och komplexitet. I denna avhandling undersöker vi hur förbindelser med högspänd likström, engleska high-voltage direct current (HVDC), kan användas för att dämpa interareapendlingar. Avhandlingen har två huvudbidrag. I det första bidraget visar vi hur stabiliteten hos två olika synkrona nät kan förbättras genom att modulera den aktiva effekten hos en enda HVDC-länk. Ett bekymmer med aktiv effektmodulering är att växelverkan mellan interareapendlingar hos de två näten kan ha en negativ inverkan på systemets stabilitet. Genom att studera styrbarhetsgramianen visar vi att det alltid är möjligt att förbättra dämpningen i båda näten så länge som frekvenserna hos deras interareapendlingar inte ligger för nära varandra. För förenklade modeller visas det uttryckligen hur styrbarheten och därmed de möjliga dämpningsförbättringarna, försämras då frekvensskillnaden blir liten. Avhandlings andra bidrag visar hur koordinerad styrning av två (eller fler) länkar kan användas för att undvika växelverkan mellan besvärliga interareapendlingar. Vi undersöker prestandan hos olika typer av flervariabla regulatorer. I synnerhet undersökers styrsignalsanvändning samt robusthet mot mät-, kommunikations- och aktuatorfel. Därigenom karakteriseras lämpliga regulatortyper. / <p>QC 20190308</p>

Utilization of power electronics based controllable systems (or devices) in transmission systems has opened new opportunities for the power industry to optimize utilization of the existing transmission systems, and at the same time to keep high system reliability and security. As a member of these controllable systems, Voltage Source Converters-based High Voltage direct current (VSC-HVdc) systems have the ability to rapidly control the transmitted active power, and also to independently exchange reactive power with transmissions systems. Therefore, VSC-HVdcs with a suitable control scheme can offer an alternative means to enhance transient stability, to improve power oscillations damping, and to provide voltage support. An interesting application of this system is the analysis of a power system when a VSC-HVdc is connected in parallel with ac transmission lines. This thesis presents the derivation of control strategies to damp power oscillations, to enhance the transient stability and to provide voltage support for a VSC-HVdc. The thesis also formulates a multichoice control strategy and its application when the VSC-HVdc is connected in a synchronous system. The control strategy for enhancing transient stability is based on the theory of Control Lyapunov Function. The control strategy for increasing the damping is based on Linear Analysis. A very effective well known way to increase damping in the system is modulating the active power through the HVdc. However, besides the control of active power, the thesis explores an alternative way to mitigate power oscillations by controlling the reactive power. This condition might be very useful when the dc link in the VSC-HVdc system is out of service, but the converter stations are in operating conditions. A simple model of VSC-HVdc is considered in order to test the control strategy. The model represents the VSC-HVdc as an element in the power system that provides adequate interaction with other systems elements. The model is intended for analysis of power flows and electromechanical transients. It is then sufficient to consider the power frequency components of voltages and currents represented by phasors that vary with time during transients. The model is valid for symmetrical conditions, i.e. positive sequence phasors are used for the representation of the electrical state. / QC 20101117

Satisfaire les besoins en énergie de manière responsable est possible grâce aux énergies renouvelables, notamment éoliennes et solaires. Cependant ces centres de captation d’énergie sont éloignés dans zones de consommation. Le transport de l’énergie via des réseaux HVDC (haute tension courant continu) permet un rendement et une flexibilité avantageuse face au transport HVAC (haute tension courant alternatif). Ceci est rendu possible grâce aux convertisseurs utilisant l’électronique de puissance. Les récents développements sur les semi-conducteurs à large bande interdite, plus particulièrement le carbure de silicium (SiC) offrent la possibilité de concevoir ces convertisseurs plus simples, utilisant des briques technologiques de plus fort calibre (≤ 10 kV). Cependant le packaging, essentiel à leur bon fonctionnement, ne suit pas ces évolutions. Dans cette thèse, nous explorons les technologies actuelles ainsi que les limites physique et normatives liées au packaging haute tension. Des solutions innovantes sont proposées pour concevoir un module de puissance haute tension, impactant que faiblement les paramètres connexes (résistance thermique, isolation électrique et paramètres environnementaux). Les éléments identifiés comme problématiques sont traités individuellement. La problématique des décharges partielles sur les substrats céramiques métallisés est développée et une solution se basant sur les paramètres géométriques a été testée. Le boitier standard type XHP-3 a été étudié et une solution permettant de le faire fonctionner à 10 kV à fort degré de pollution a été développée. / The supply of carbon-free energy is possible with renewable energy. However, windfarms and solar power plants are geographically away from the distribution points. Transporting the energy using the HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology allow for a better yield along the distance and result in a cost effective approach compared to HVAC (High Voltage Alternative Current) lines. Thus, there is a need of high voltage power converters using power electronics. Recent development on wide bandgap semiconductors, especially silicon carbide (SiC) allow a higher blocking voltage (around 10 kV) that would simplify the design of such power electronic converters. On the other hand, the development on packaging technologies needs to follow this trend. In this thesis, an exploration of technological and normative limitation has been done for a high voltage power module design. The main hot spot are clearly identified and innovative solutions are studied to provide a proper response with a low impact on parasitic parameters. Partial Discharges (PD) on ceramic substrates is analyzed and a solution of a high Partial Discharge Inception Voltage (PDIV) is given based on geometrical parameters. The XHP-3 like power modules are studied and a solution allowing a use under 10 kV at a high pollution degree (PD3) is given.

Gotland har länge präglats av mycket speciella lösningar och legat i framkant vad gäller ny teknik. Under ca 20 år har Gotland haft en VSC-HVDC-station som har stabiliserat spänningen i det gotländska nätet. HVDC Light har löst en del av de tekniska begränsningarna som hindrat utvecklingen av vindkraftverk. Anläggningen börjar lida mot slutet av sin tekniska livslängd och examensarbetet är ett första steg i utredningen för en eventuell ersättning. Med hjälp av elkvalitetsmätare kartlagdes prestanda och eventuella förbättringsområden. Den svenska stamnätsoperatören Svenska kraftnät har sedan 2016 haft en VSC-HVDC-station som använts för att utväxla energi till asynkrona systemet i Östeuropa. Svenska kraftnät har på senare tid velat utnyttja spänningsregleringsmöjligheterna och utreda mättekniska metoder. Elkvalitetsmätare placerades ut på lämpliga mätpunkter för att utreda anläggningens beteenden. ELSPEC G4500 elkvalitetsmätare installerades på Nordbalt och Gotlands HVDC Light för att mäta under sensommar till hösten 2017. Skillnader mellan CVT och IVT samt Rogowskispole och CT mättes. Valet av ELSPEC lämpade sig bra eftersom att inga triggningsvillkor behövdes som tillåter att man kan upptäcka små men viktiga avvikelser. Gotlands HVDC Light stabiliserar nätet främst mot spänningsdippar efter kortslutningar i 10 kV-elnätet och flimmer ifrån vindkraftsparkerna i ände 2. Märkeffekten för en uppdaterad anläggning kommer baseras på den kortslutningseffekt i 10 kV-nätet som kan utvecklas under anläggningens livstid. Spänningsregleringen ska baseras på en PI-regulator och ska kunna reglera fullt på 40 ms. Komponentspänningar kan användas för att ge reaktiv effekt på de faser som behöver det. Behovet mot flimmer ska baseras på en mätning i närmaste konsumtionscentrum, två mil från ände 2. Om behovet finns, ska en separat loop för flimmerkontroll som motverkar 1,5 Hz-komponenter implementeras utifrån en punkt ca 1,5 mil ifrån ände 2. Teknikvalet står mellan two-level generation 3 eller MMC, beroende på uppgradering eller ersättning. Många olika framtida scenarion påverkar HVDC Lights roll och oavsett, kommer mycket resurser behövas för Gotlands och HVDC Lights framtid. Det har observerats två beteenden på Nordbalt varav ena är långsam och det andra beteendet är snabbt. Det snabba beteendet uppstår när lågohmiga fel sker som också synkronmaskinerna tar hand om. Nordbalt kan hjälpa till för mindre spänningsvariationer om den varit snabbare likt beteendet vid lågohmiga fel. En stabilitetsbedömning behövs dock eftersom att snabbare beteende ökar risken för instabilitet. Eftersom att data mellan CVT och IVT skiljde sig mycket, upplystes mättekniska problem. Några lösningar diskuteras varav RCVT och PQSensor gås igenom grundligt. Alternativa lösningar som MoW och mobila enheter presenteras också vagt. Samtliga lösningar visade sig ha praktiska hinder, vilket försvårar genomförandet. Det uppmanas därför att man bör testa teknikerna i laborationsmiljö eftersom begränsat med studier gjorts på dessa samt att konkurrerande tillverkare uppger olika uppgifter. / Gotland has long been known for various special solutions and been on the leading edge regarding new technology. For the past 20 years Gotland has had a VSC-HVDC station that has stabilized the voltage in the Gotlandic grid. HVDC Light has solved some of the technical limitations that has hindered the growth of wind turbines. The station has almost reached the end of its technical lifespan and the thesis is a first step in the investigation for an eventual replacement. With power quality analyzers performance and improvements were investigated. The Swedish transmission system operator Svenska kraftnät have since 2016 had a VSCHVDC station that have been used to exchange energy to the asynchronous system in Eastern Europe. Svenska kraftnät has of lately wanted to take advantage of the voltage control capabilities and investigate measurement technologies. Power quality analyzers were installed on suitable connection points to investigate the behavior of the station. ELSPEC G4500 power quality analyzers were installed on Nordbalt’s and Gotland’s HVDC Light to measure during the late summer to fall of 2017. The differences between CVT and IVT, and Rogowski coil and CT were captured. The choice of ELSPEC suited well since no trigger conditions are needed which allows small but important errors to be discovered. Gotland’s HVDC Light stabilizes the grid mostly against voltage sags for faults in the 10 kVgrid and flicker from the wind farms in node 2. The rated power for an upgrade should be based on the 10 kV-grid short-circuit power to be developed during the station’s life span. The voltage control should be based on a PI-controller and should be able to transmit full power in 40 ms. Component voltages can be used to produce reactive power on the phases in need. The need against flicker should be based on measurements in the closest center of consumption, 2 miles from node 2. If it’s needed, a separate loop for flicker-control that prevents 1.5 Hz-components based on a point 1.5 mile from node 2 should be implemented. Depending on an upgrade or replacement, the topology can either be “two-level generation 3” or MMC. Many different future scenarios affect HVDC Light’s role and more resources will be required for Gotland’s and HVDC Light’s future. Two behaviors have been observed on Nordbalt where one is slow and the other behavior is fast. The fast behavior was only observed when low impedance faults occurs, that the synchronous generators also handles. Nordbalt can contribute to small voltage variations if it was faster, like the behavior for low impedance faults. A consideration in stability is needed since a faster behavior can lead to stability problems. Since the data between CVT and IVT differed a lot, metrology problems were discovered. Some solutions were discussed, of which RCVT and PQSensor was thoroughly reviewed. Alternative solutions like MoW and mobile units were also presented vaguely. All solutions showed practical difficulties, which complicates the implementation. It is therefore encouraged to test the technologies in a laboratory environment since few studies have been made on these and competing manufactures state different information.

Cette thèse porte sur la commande de réseaux multi-terminaux à courant continu (MTDC) basés sur des convertisseurs multiniveaux modulaires (MMCs).Tout d’abord, notre attention se focalise sur l'énergie stockée en interne dans le MMC qui constitue un degré de liberté additionnel apporté par sa topologie complexe. Afin d’en tirer le meilleur parti, les limites de l’énergie interne sont formulées mathématiquement.Afin de maîtriser la dynamique de la tension DC, l’utilisation de ce nouveau degré de liberté s’avère d’une grande importance. Par conséquent, une nouvelle de stratégie de commande, nommée «Virtual Capacitor Control», est proposée. Cette nouvelle méthode de contrôle permet au MMC de se comporter comme s’il possédait un condensateur de taille réglable aux bornes, contribuant ainsi à l’atténuation des fluctuations de la tension DC.Enfin, la portée de l’étude est étendue au réseau MTDC. L'un des défis majeurs pour un tel système est de faire face à une perte soudaine d'une station de convertisseur qui peut entraîner une grande variation de la tension du système. A cet effet, la méthode de statisme de tension est la plus couramment utilisée. Cependant, l'analyse montre que l'action de contrôle souhaitée risque de ne pas être réalisée lorsque la marge disponible de réserve de puissance du convertisseur est insuffisante. Nous proposons donc une nouvelle structure de contrôle de la tension qui permet de fournir différentes actions en fonction du signe de l'écart de la tension suite à une perturbation, associée à un algorithme qui détermine les paramètres de statisme en tenant compte du point de fonctionnement et de la réserve disponible à chaque station. / The scope of this thesis includes control and management of the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC)-based Multi-Terminal Direct Current (MTDC).At first, our focus is paid on the internally stored energy, which is the important additional degree of freedom brought by the complex topology of MMC. In order to draw out the utmost of this additional degree of freedom, an in-depth analysis of the limits of this internally stored energy is carried out, and they are mathematically formulated.Then, this degree of freedom of the MMC is used to provide a completely new solution to improve the DC voltage dynamics. A novel control strategy, named Virtual Capacitor Control, is proposed. Under this control, the MMC behaves as if there were a physical capacitor whose size is adjustable. Thus, it is possible to virtually increase the equivalent capacitance of the DC grid to mitigate the DC voltage fluctuations in MTDC systems.Finally, the scope is extended to MMC-based MTDC grid. One of the crucial challenges for such system is to cope with a sudden loss of a converter station which may lead to a great variation of the system voltage. The voltage droop method is commonly used for this purpose. The analysis shows that the desired control action may not be exerted when the available headroom of the converter stations are insufficient. We thus propose a novel voltage droop control structure which permits to provide different actions depending on the sign of DC voltage deviation caused by the disturbance of system voltage as well as an algorithm that determines the droop parameters taking into account the operating point and the available headroom of each station.

Le développement de l’énergie renouvelable loin des zones urbaines demande le transport d'une grande quantité d’énergie sur de longues distances. Le transport d’électricité en courant continu haute tension (HVDC) présente beaucoup d’avantages par rapport à celui en courant alternatif. Dans ce contexte il est nécessaire de développer des convertisseurs de puissance constitués par des composants électroniques très haute tension, 10 à 30 kV. Si les composants en silicium ne peuvent pas atteindre ces objectifs, le carbure de silicium (SiC) se positionne comme un matériau semiconducteur alternatif prometteur. Pour supporter des tensions élevées, une région de "drift", relativement large et peu dopée constitue le cœur du composant de puissance. En pratique l’obtention d’une tension de blocage effective dépend de plusieurs facteurs et surtout de la conception d'une terminaison de jonction adaptée. Cette thèse présente une méthode pour améliorer la tenue en tension des composants en SiC basée sur l’utilisation des terminaisons de jonctions : Deep Trench Termination. Cette méthode utilise une tranchée gravée profonde en périphérie du composant, remplie avec un matériau diélectrique pour supporter l'étalement des lignes équipotentielles. La conception de la diode avec cette terminaison a été faite par simulation TCAD, avec deux niveaux de tension 3 et 20 kV. Les travaux ont pris en compte les caractéristiques du matériau, les charges à l’interface de la tranchée et les limites technologiques pour la fabrication. Ce travail a abouti sur la fabrication de démonstrateurs et leur caractérisation pour valider notre conception. Lors de la réalisation de ces structures, la gravure plasma du SiC a été optimisée dans un bâti ICP de manière à obtenir une vitesse de gravure élevée et en conservant une qualité électronique de l'état des surfaces gravées. Cette qualité est confirmée par les résultats de caractérisation obtenus avec des tenues en tension proches de celle idéale. / The development of renewable energy away from urban areas requires the transmission of a large amount of energy over long distances. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power transmission has many advantages over AC power transmission. In this context, it is necessary to develop power converters based on high voltage power electronic components, 10 to 30 kV. If silicon components cannot achieve these objectives, silicon carbide (SiC) is positioned as a promising alternative semiconductor material. To support high voltages, a drift region, relatively wide and lightly doped is the heart of the power component. In practice obtaining an effective blocking voltage depends on several factors and especially the design of a suitable junction termination. This thesis presents a method to improve the voltage withstand of SiC components based on the use of junction terminations: Deep Trench Termination. This method uses a trench deep etching around the periphery of the component, filled with a dielectric material to support the spreading of the equipotential lines. The design of the diode with this termination was done by TCAD simulation, with two voltage levels 3 and 20 kV. The work took into account the characteristics of the material, the interface charge of the trench and the technological limits for the fabrication. This work resulted in the fabrication of demonstrators and their characterization to validate the design. During the production of these structures, plasma etching of SiC has been optimized in an ICP reactor so as to obtain a high etching rate and maintaining an electronic quality of the state of etched surfaces. This quality is confirmed by the results of characterization obtained with blocking voltage close to the ideal one.

With power generation and consumption placed further away from each other, with for example increased offshore power production, the need for HVDC transmission systems increases. As voltage levels in the HVDC transmission system are raised, the losses can be decreased, enabling efficient power transfer over longer distances. Such an increase in voltage levels comes with questions regarding insulation performance due to increased electrical field stress in high voltage apparatus, particularly in and around cable terminations. Thus, physical measurements of electrical fields or voltage potentials in air are of interest to improve the understanding of the electrical fields around cable terminations as well as to verify and develop simulation models for use at ultra high voltage. In this thesis, different measurement systems and sensors for electrical field measurements are investigated, and their benefits and drawbacks are compared to a known previously implemented reference measurement system with known strengths and limitations. Two new conceptual measurement systems with a sensor concept and positioning system are developed and proposed for a set of given conditions, such as measurement around cable terminations in air. The first proposed system is based on a shutter field mill sensor placed on variable electric potential. The second system is based on the reference system's sensor design modified to remove the need for a large positioning system. The feasibility of the two measurement systems is investigated further utilizing a COMSOL model and a mechanical prototype. The simulation model is used for electrical field simulations around cable terminations in a 2D-axisymmetric geometry as well as a 3D geometry to verify the first measurement system. The mechanical prototype is utilized to test and verify the possibility of implementing the second system's positioning system. The two final proposed measurement systems can be further developed and used as a foundation for a future implemented measurement system. / Ökad elproduktion i form av exempelvis vindkraftsverk placerade till havs leder till elproduktion och konsumtion placerad med större avstånd från varandra, vilket skapar ett behov av HVDC transmissionssystemm. Genom att höja spänningsnivåerna i transmissionssystemet kan förluster minskar, vilket möjligör effektiv kraftöverföring över längre avstånd. En sådan ökning av spänningsnivåerna i transmissionssystemet kommer med obesvarade frågor angående isoleringsprestanda i högspänningsutrustningen på grund av en höjd elektrisk stress, med särskilt intresse gällande påverkan på kabelavslut. Därför är fysiska mätningar av elektriska fält eller potentialer i luft av intresse för att förbättra förståelsen av det elektriska fältet kring kabelavslut, samt att verifiera och utveckla simuleringsmodeller för användning vid ultrahög spänningspotentialer. I detta examensarbete har olika mätsystem och sensorer för elektriska fältmätningar utredits och deras fördelar och nackdelar jämförts med ett känt tidigare implementerat rereferensmätsystem med kända styrkor och begränsningar. Två nya konceptuella mätsystem med sensorkoncept med tillhörande positioneringssystem utvecklas och föreslås för en uppsättning givna förhållanden, som t.ex mätning kring kabelavslutningar i luft. Det första föreslagna systemet är baserat på en fältkvarnssensor placerad på variabel elektrisk potential. De andra systemet är baserat på referenssystemets sensordesign modifierad för att ta bort behovet av ett stort positioneringssystem. Genomförbarheten av de två mätsystem undersöks vidare med användning av en COMSOL-modell och en mekanisk prototyp. Simuleringsmodellen används för elektriska fält simuleringar kring ett kabelavslut i en 2D-axelsymmetrisk geometri samt i en 3D-geometri för att verifiera det första mätsystemet. Mekaniska prototypen används för att testa och verifiera möjligheten att implementera andra systemets positioneringssystem. De två föreslagna mätsystemen kan vidareutvecklas och användas som en grund för ett framtida implementerat mätsystem.

Thesis (PhD (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Prospects of up-rating existing high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission schemes, as well as the conversion of existing alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) lines and the development of new HVDC schemes in sub-Saharan Africa, have led to renewed interest in DC research. The radio interference (RI), audible noise (AN) and corona loss (CL) performance of HVDC transmission lines are critical factors when assessing the reliability of the line design. The RI performance is especially important when considering the successful transmission of the carrier signal of the power line carrier (PLC) system. The PLC system is the main form of communication between teleprotection devices on the Cahora Bassa HVDC scheme. The aim of the dissertation is to devise modelling as well as metrological techniques to characterise DC conductor corona. A particle-in-cell (PIC) computational code is developed to gain a better understanding of the physical processes that occur during corona events. The numerical code makes use of the charge simulation method (CSM) and nite element method (FEM) to solve for the Laplace and Poisson eld equations. Higher-order basis functions are implemented to obtain a more accurate solution to the Poisson equation. The computational tool yields insight into the mathematical models for the various ionization, attachment and electron avalanche processes that give rise to corona currents. Together with a designed and developed electrometer-type circuit, the numerical code assists the visualisation of the space charge particle dynamics that form in the electrode gap during corona events. The metrological techniques consider the wideband time domain (TD) as well as the frequency domain (FD) information of the measured corona pulses in the presence of noise. These are then compared to the narrowband CISPR standard measurements centred around 500kHz. The importance of impedance matching when attempting to derive a wideband excitation function is investigated. The TD measurements are quite distinct from the well-published FD measurements, and consider the pulse shape, pulse spectrum and pulse repetition rates. The use of three possible conductor corona test methods to study direct current conductor RI performance under both positive and negative polarities is investigated at high altitude in this dissertation. These include a small corona cage, a short test line and the Eskom Megawatt Park large outdoor corona cage. Derived wideband and narrowband monopolar DC RI excitation functions at 500kHz are consolidated with existing radio noise (RN) measurement protocols and prediction methods. The use of a corona cage to derive excitation functions for monopolar RI predictions is explored and it is shown that a small corona cage, due to the build-up of space charge in the small distance between the electrodes, cannot be used to predict the RI levels on HVDC transmission lines accurately. As a consequence of the physics, computational modelling and both frequency and time domain measurements, it is now possible to explain why a small cage system prevents the accurate RI prediction on transmission lines. The large outdoor corona cage and short test line RI performance predictions agree with existing empirical prediction formulas. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vooruitsigte van die opgradering van bestaande hoogspanningsgelykstroom transmissielyn skemas, asook die omkering van bestaande wisselstroom na gelykstroom lyne en die ontwikkeling van nuwe hoogspanningsgelykstroom skemas in sub-Sahara Afrika, het gelei to hernude belangstelling in gelykstroomnavorsing. Die korona-werkverrigting van hoogspanningsgelykstroom oorshoofselyne in terme van radiosteuring, hoorbare-geraas en koronaverliese is kritiese faktore om in aanmerking te neem wanneer die betroubaarheid van die lynontwerp geëvalueer word. Die radiosteuring-werkverrigting is veral van belang tot die suksesvolle oordrag van die kraglyndragolf draersein wat die hoof kommunikasievorm tussen beskermingstoerusting op die Cahora Bassa transmissielyn skema is. Die doel van hierdie proefskrif is om modellering- sowel as meettegnieke te ontwerp om gelykstroomgeleierkorona te karakteriseer. 'n Partikel-in-sel numeriese kode is ontwikkel om 'n beter begrip te verkry van die siese prosesse gedurende koronagebeure. Die numeriese kode maak gebruik van die lading-simulasiemetode, sowel as die eindige element metode om die Laplace en Poisson veldvergelykings op te los. Hoër-orde basisfunksies is geimplimenteer om 'n meer akkurate oplossing vir die Poisson vergelyking te verkry. Die numeriese kode bied insig tot die wiskundige modelle vir die verskeie ionisasie-, aanhegtings- en lawineprosesse wat lei tot koronastrome in die area om die hoogspanningsgeleier. Die numeriese kode, saam met 'n elektro-meter wat ontwerp en ontwikkel is, dra by tot die begrip van die ruimtelading partikeldinamika wat onstaan in die elektrodegaping gedurende koronagebeure. Die meettegnieke neem die wyeband tydgebied- en frekwensiegebiedinformasie van die koronapulse in ag in die teenwoordigheid van geraas. Dit word dan vergelyk met die nouband CISPR meetstandaard vir 'n frekwensie van 500kHz. Die belangrikheid van impedansie-aanpassing vir wyeband metings met die doel om opwekkingsfunksies af te lei, word ondersoek. Die tydgebiedmetings verskil van die algemene frekwensiegebiedmetings, en ondersoek die pulsvorm, -spektrum en -herhalingskoers. Die gebruik van drie moontlike koronageleier-toetsmetodes om gelykstroom radiosteurings-werkverrigting vir positiewe en negatiewe polariteite te bestudeer by hoë vlakke bo seespieël word ondersoek in die proefskrif. Dit sluit in 'n klein koronakou, 'n kort toetslyn en die Eskom Megawatt Park groot buitelug-koronakou. Afgeleide wye- en nouband monopolêre gelykstroom radiosteuring opwekkingsfunksies by 500kHz word gekonsolideer met bestaande radioruis metingsprotokolle en voorspellingsmetodes. Die gebruik van 'n koronakou om opwekkingsfunksies af te lei vir monopolêre radiosteuringvoorspellings is ondersoek en daar is gevind dat 'n klein koronakou nie gebruik kan word om radiosteuringvlakke op hoogspanningsgelykstroom transmissielyne akkuraat te voorspel nie. Dit is as gevolg van die opbou van ruimtelading in die klein elektrodegaping. Met behulp van die sika, numeriese modellering en beide die frekwensie- en tydgebiedmetings, is dit nou moontlik om te verklaar waarom die klein koronakou die akkurate radiosteuringvoorspellings op transmissielyne onmoontlik maak. Die groot buitelug-koronakou en kort toetslyn radiosteuringvoorspellings stem ooreen met bestaande empiriese voorspellings formules.

Ao buscar alternativas para interligação entre importantes centros de geração de energia elétrica localizados no Norte do Brasil e centros consumidores no Nordeste e Sudeste, o setor elétrico brasileiro se depara com o desafio de transpor distâncias superiores a 2000 km. A alternativa em corrente contínua já é bastante utilizada, com desempenho satisfatório. Já a transmissão em meia-onda, ainda não utilizada comercialmente em país algum do mundo, é uma alternativa sugerida por alguns artigos como adequada a esse propósito. Este trabalho se propõe a apresentar uma metodologia de comparação econômica entre alternativas de transmissão e aplicá-la à comparação entre a meia-onda e a corrente contínua, utilizando um cenário muito próximo ao brasileiro. Para possibilitar esta comparação, são apresentados detalhes do funcionamento da linha de meia-onda, já que pouco foi publicado sobre o assunto. São mencionados alguns aspectos adversos de seu comportamento transitório e também são descritas etapas de definição de alternativas de transmissão a serem avaliadas. / In order to connect important power generation plants located in Northern region to the major load centers in the Northeast and Southeast parts of the country, the Brazilian electric sector should deal with the challenge of planning transmission systems to cover distances of more than 2000 km. The HVDC transmission alternative, which has shown satisfactory response and performance to also carry bulk power over long distances, is already used in many countries. Still, the half-wavelength power transmission line (HWLL), not yet commercially used in any country, is an alternative suggested by some papers as suitable for this purpose. Thus, the objective of this work is to present a methodology for the economic comparison amongst the transmission alternatives present today, to thereafter apply it to the HWLL and HVDC transmission technologies. To do so, a closest scenario to that of the Brazilian case will be used. In order to perform this comparison, some details of the HWLL operation are explored, since little was published on this subject. Also, some adverse aspects of the HWLL transient behavior as well as the steps for defining the transmission alternatives to be evaluated are presented.