1.An HVDC system shall be capable of staying connected to the network and remaining operable within the frequency ranges and time periods specified in Table 1, Annex I for the short circuit power range as specified in Article 32(2).
2.The relevant TSO and HVDC system owner may agree on wider frequency ranges or longer minimum times for operation if needed to preserve or to restore system security. If wider frequency ranges or longer minimum times for operation are economically and technically feasible, the HVDC system owner shall not unreasonably withhold consent.
3.Without prejudice to paragraph 1, an HVDC system shall be capable of automatic disconnection at frequencies specified by the relevant TSO.
4.The relevant TSO may specify a maximum admissible active power output reduction from its operating point if the system frequency falls below 49 Hz.
An HVDC system shall be capable of staying connected to the network and operable if the network frequency changes at a rate between – [F12.5] and + [F12.5] Hz/s (measured at any point in time as an average of the rate of change of frequency for the previous 1 s).
Textual Amendments
F1Word in Art. 12 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets and Network Codes) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1006), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10
1.With regard to the capability of controlling the transmitted active power:
(a)an HVDC system shall be capable of adjusting the transmitted active power up to its maximum HVDC active power transmission capacity in each direction following an instruction from the relevant TSO.
The relevant TSO:
may specify a maximum and minimum power step size for adjusting the transmitted active power;
may specify a minimum HVDC active power transmission capacity for each direction, below which active power transmission capability is not requested; and
shall specify the maximum delay within which the HVDC system shall be capable of adjusting the transmitted active power upon receipt of request from the relevant TSO.
(b)the relevant TSO shall specify how an HVDC system shall be capable of modifying the transmitted active power infeed in case of disturbances into one or more of the AC networks to which it is connected. If the initial delay prior to the start of the change is greater than 10 milliseconds from receiving the triggering signal sent by the relevant TSO, it shall be reasonably justified by the HVDC system owner to the relevant TSO.
(c)the relevant TSO may specify that an HVDC system be capable of fast active power reversal. The power reversal shall be possible from the maximum active power transmission capacity in one direction to the maximum active power transmission capacity in the other direction as fast as technically feasible and reasonably justified by the HVDC system owner to the relevant TSOs if greater than 2 seconds.
(d)for HVDC systems linking various control areas or synchronous areas, the HVDC system shall be equipped with control functions enabling the relevant TSOs to modify the transmitted active power for the purpose of cross-border balancing.
2.An HVDC system shall be capable of adjusting the ramping rate of active power variations within its technical capabilities in accordance with instructions sent by relevant TSOs. In case of modification of active power according to points (b) and (c) of paragraph 1, there shall be no adjustment of ramping rate.
3.If specified by a relevant TSO, in coordination with adjacent TSOs, the control functions of an HVDC system shall be capable of taking automatic remedial actions including, but not limited to, stopping the ramping and blocking FSM, LFSM-O, LFSM-U and frequency control. The triggering and blocking criteria shall be specified by relevant TSO and subject to notification to the regulatory authority. The modalities of that notification shall be determined in accordance with the applicable F2... regulatory framework.
Textual Amendments
F2Word in Art. 13(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets and Network Codes) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1006), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 11
1.If specified by a relevant TSO, an HVDC system shall be capable of providing synthetic inertia in response to frequency changes, activated in low and/or high frequency regimes by rapidly adjusting the active power injected to or withdrawn from the AC network in order to limit the rate of change of frequency. The requirement shall at least take account of the results of the studies undertaken by TSOs to identify if there is a need to set out minimum inertia.
2.The principle of this control system and the associated performance parameters shall be agreed between the relevant TSO and the HVDC system owner.
Requirements applying to frequency sensitive mode, limited frequency sensitive mode overfrequency and limited frequency sensitive mode underfrequency shall be as set out in Annex II.
1.If specified by the relevant TSO, an HVDC system shall be equipped with an independent control mode to modulate the active power output of the HVDC converter station depending on the frequencies at all connection points of the HVDC system in order to maintain stable system frequencies.
2.The relevant TSO shall specify the operating principle, the associated performance parameters and the activation criteria of the frequency control referred to in paragraph 1.
1.An HVDC system shall be configured in such a way that its loss of active power injection in a synchronous area shall be limited to a value specified by the relevant TSOs for their respective load frequency control area, based on the HVDC system's impact on the power system.
2.Where an HVDC system connects two or more control areas, the relevant TSOs shall consult each other in order to set a coordinated value of the maximum loss of active power injection as referred to in paragraph 1, taking into account common mode failures.
1.Without prejudice to Article 25, an HVDC converter station shall be capable of staying connected to the network and capable of operating at HVDC system maximum current, within the ranges of the network voltage at the connection point, expressed by the voltage at the connection point related to reference 1 pu voltage, and the time periods specified in Tables 4 and 5, Annex III. The establishment of the reference 1 pu voltage shall be subject to coordination between the adjacent relevant system operators.
2.The HVDC system owner and the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, may agree on wider voltage ranges or longer minimum times for operation than those specified in paragraph 1 in order to ensure the best use of the technical capabilities of an HVDC system if needed to preserve or to restore system security. If wider voltage ranges or longer minimum times for operation are economically and technically feasible, the HVDC system owner shall not unreasonably withhold consent.
3.An HVDC converter station shall be capable of automatic disconnection at connection point voltages specified by the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO. The terms and settings for automatic disconnection shall be agreed between the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, and the HVDC system owner.
4.For connection points at reference 1 pu AC voltages not included in the scope set out in Annex III, the relevant system operator, in coordination with relevant TSOs, shall specify applicable requirements at the connection points.
F35.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
1.If specified by the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, an HVDC system shall have the capability to provide fast fault current at a connection point in case of symmetrical (3-phase) faults.
2.Where an HVDC system is required to have the capability referred to in paragraph 1, the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, shall specify the following:
(a)how and when a voltage deviation is to be determined as well as the end of the voltage deviation;
(b)the characteristics of the fast fault current;
(c)the timing and accuracy of the fast fault current, which may include several stages.
3.The relevant system operator, in coordination the relevant TSO, may specify a requirement for asymmetrical current injection in the case of asymmetrical (1-phase or 2-phase) faults.
1.The relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, shall specify the reactive power capability requirements at the connection points, in the context of varying voltage. The proposal for those requirements shall include a U-Q/Pmax-profile, within the boundary of which the HVDC converter station shall be capable of providing reactive power at its maximum HVDC active power transmission capacity.
2.The U-Q/Pmax-profile referred to in paragraph 1 shall comply with the following principles:
(a)the U-Q/Pmax-profile shall not exceed the U-Q/Pmax-profile envelope represented by the inner envelope in the figure set out in Annex IV, and does not need to be rectangular;
(b)the dimensions of the U-Q/Pmax-profile envelope shall respect the values established for [F4the Great Britain] synchronous area in the table set out in Annex IV; and
(c)the position of the U-Q/Pmax-profile envelope shall lie within the limits of the fixed outer envelope in the figure set out in Annex IV.
3.An HVDC system shall be capable of moving to any operating point within its U-Q/Pmax profile in timescales specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO.
4.When operating at an active power output below the maximum HVDC active power transmission capacity (P < Pmax), the HVDC converter station shall be capable of operating in every possible operating point, as specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO and in accordance with the reactive power capability set out by the U-Q/Pmax profile specified in paragraphs 1 to 3.
Textual Amendments
F4Words in Art. 20(2)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets and Network Codes) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1006), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 13
1.The HVDC system owner shall ensure that the reactive power of its HVDC converter station exchanged with the network at the connection point is limited to values specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO.
2.The reactive power variation caused by the reactive power control mode operation of the HVDC converter Station, referred to in Article 22(1), shall not result in a voltage step exceeding the allowed value at the connection point. The relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, shall specify this maximum tolerable voltage step value.
1.An HVDC converter station shall be capable of operating in one or more of the three following control modes, as specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO:
(a)voltage control mode;
(b)reactive power control mode;
(c)power factor control mode.
2.An HVDC converter station shall be capable of operating in additional control modes specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO.
3.For the purposes of voltage control mode, each HVDC converter station shall be capable of contributing to voltage control at the connection point utilising its capabilities, while respecting Articles 20 and 21, in accordance with the following control characteristics:
(a)a setpoint voltage at the connection point shall be specified to cover a specific operation range, either continuously or in steps, by the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO;
(b)the voltage control may be operated with or without a deadband around the setpoint selectable in a range from zero to +/– 5 % of reference 1 pu network voltage. The deadband shall be adjustable in steps as specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO;
(c)following a step change in voltage, the HVDC converter station shall be capable of:
achieving 90 % of the change in reactive power output within a time t1 specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO. The time t1 shall be in the range of [F50.1]-10 seconds; and
settling at the value specified by the operating slope within a time t2 specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO. The time t2 shall be in the range of 1-60 seconds, with a specified steady-state tolerance given in % of the maximum reactive power.
(d)voltage control mode shall include the capability to change reactive power output based on a combination of a modified setpoint voltage and an additional instructed reactive power component. The slope shall be specified by a range and step specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO.
4.With regard to reactive power control mode, the relevant system operator shall specify a reactive power range in MVAr or in % of maximum reactive power, as well as its associated accuracy at the connection point, using the capabilities of the HVDC system, while respecting Articles 20 and 21.
5.For the purposes of power factor control mode, the HVDC converter station shall be capable of controlling the power factor to a target at the connection point, while respecting Articles 20 and 21. The available setpoints shall be available in steps no greater than a maximum allowed step specified by the relevant system operator.
6.The relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO shall specify any equipment needed to enable the remote selection of control modes and relevant setpoints.
Textual Amendments
F5Word in Art. 22(3)(c)(i) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets and Network Codes) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1006), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 14
Taking into account the capabilities of the HVDC system specified in accordance with this Regulation, the relevant TSO shall determine whether active power contribution or reactive power contribution shall have priority during low or high voltage operation and during faults for which fault-ride-through capability is required. If priority is given to active power contribution, its provision shall be established within a time from the fault inception as specified by relevant TSO.
An HVDC system owner shall ensure that its HVDC system connection to the network does not result in a level of distortion or fluctuation of the supply voltage on the network, at the connection point, exceeding the level specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO. The process for necessary studies to be conducted and relevant data to be provided by all grid users involved, as well as mitigating actions identified and implemented, shall be in accordance with the process in Article 29.
1.The relevant TSO shall specify, while respecting Article 18, a voltage-against time profile as set out in Annex V and having regard to the voltage-against-time-profile specified for power park modules according to Regulation (EU) 2016/631. This profile shall apply at connection points for fault conditions, under which the HVDC converter station shall be capable of staying connected to the network and continuing stable operation after the power system has recovered following fault clearance. The voltage-against-time-profile shall express a lower limit of the actual course of the phase-to-phase voltages on the network voltage level at the connection point during a symmetrical fault, as a function of time before, during and after the fault. Any ride through period beyond trec2 shall be specified by the relevant TSO consistent with Article 18.
2.On request by the HVDC system owner, the relevant system operator shall provide the pre-fault and post-fault conditions as provided for in Article 32 regarding:
(a)pre-fault minimum short circuit capacity at each connection point expressed in MVA;
(b)pre-fault operating point of the HVDC converter station expressed as active power output and reactive power output at the connection point and voltage at the connection point; and
(c)post-fault minimum short circuit capacity at each connection point expressed in MVA.
Alternatively, generic values for the above conditions derived from typical cases may be provided by the relevant system operator.
3.The HVDC converter station shall be capable of staying connected to the network and continue stable operation when the actual course of the phase-to-phase voltages on the network voltage level at the connection point during a symmetrical fault, given the pre-fault and post-fault conditions provided for in Article 32, remain above the lower limit set out in the figure in Annex V, unless the protection scheme for internal faults requires the disconnection of the HVDC converter station from the network. The protection schemes and settings for internal faults shall be designed not to jeopardise fault-ride-through performance.
4.The relevant TSO may specify voltages (Ublock) at the connection points under specific network conditions whereby the HVDC system is allowed to block. Blocking means remaining connected to the network with no active and reactive power contribution for a time frame that shall be as short as technically feasible and which shall be agreed between the relevant TSOs and the HVDC system owner.
5.In accordance Article 34, undervoltage protection shall be set by the HVDC system owner to the widest possible technical capability of the HVDC converter station. The relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, may specify narrower settings pursuant to Article 34.
6.The relevant TSO shall specify fault-ride-through capabilities in case of asymmetrical faults.
The relevant TSO shall specify the magnitude and time profile of active power recovery that the HVDC system shall be capable of providing, in accordance with Article 25.
HVDC systems, including DC overhead lines, shall be capable of fast recovery from transient faults within the HVDC system. Details of this capability shall be subject to coordination and agreements on protection schemes and settings pursuant to Article 34.
Unless otherwise instructed by the relevant system operator, during the energisation or synchronisation of an HVDC converter station to the AC network or during the connection of an energised HVDC converter station to an HVDC system, the HVDC converter station shall have the capability to limit any voltage changes to a steady-state level specified by the relevant system operator in coordination with the relevant TSO. The level specified shall not exceed 5 per cent of the pre-synchronisation voltage. The relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO, shall specify the maximum magnitude, duration and measurement window of the voltage transients.
1.When several HVDC converter stations or other plants and equipment are within close electrical proximity, the relevant TSO may specify that a study is required, and the scope and extent of that study, to demonstrate that no adverse interaction will occur. If adverse interaction is identified, the studies shall identify possible mitigating actions to be implemented to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Regulation.
2.The studies shall be carried out by the connecting HVDC system owner with the participation of all other parties identified by the TSOs as relevant to each connection point. [F6The regulatory authority] may provide that the responsibility for undertaking the studies in accordance with this Article lies with the TSO. All parties shall be informed of the results of the studies.
3.All parties identified by the relevant TSO as relevant to each connection point, including the relevant TSO, shall contribute to the studies and shall provide all relevant data and models as reasonably required to meet the purposes of the studies. The relevant TSO shall collect this input and, where applicable, pass it on to the party responsible for the studies in accordance with Article 10.
4.The relevant TSO shall assess the result of the studies based on their scope and extent as specified in accordance with paragraph 1. If necessary for the assessment, the relevant TSO may request the HVDC system owner to perform further studies in line with the scope and extent specified in accordance with paragraph 1.
5.The relevant TSO may review or replicate some or all of the studies. The HVDC system owner shall provide the relevant TSO all relevant data and models that allow such study to be performed.
6.Any necessary mitigating actions identified by the studies carried out in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 5 and reviewed by the relevant TSO shall be undertaken by the HVDC system owner as part of the connection of the new HVDC converter station.
7.The relevant TSO may specify transient levels of performance associated with events for the individual HVDC system or collectively across commonly impacted HVDC systems. This specification may be provided to protect the integrity of both TSO equipment and that of grid users in a manner consistent with its national code.
Textual Amendments
F6Words in Art. 29(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets and Network Codes) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1006), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 15
The HVDC system shall be capable of contributing to the damping of power oscillations in connected AC networks. The control system of the HVDC system shall not reduce the damping of power oscillations. The relevant TSO shall specify a frequency range of oscillations that the control scheme shall positively damp and the network conditions when this occurs, at least accounting for any dynamic stability assessment studies undertaken by TSOs to identify the stability limits and potential stability problems in their transmission systems. The selection of the control parameter settings shall be agreed between the relevant TSO and the HVDC system owner.
1.With regard to subsynchronous torsional interaction (SSTI) damping control, the HVDC system shall be capable of contributing to electrical damping of torsional frequencies.
2.The relevant TSO shall specify the necessary extent of SSTI studies and provide input parameters, to the extent available, related to the equipment and relevant system conditions in its network. The SSTI studies shall be provided by the HVDC system owner. The studies shall identify the conditions, if any, where SSTI exists and propose any necessary mitigation procedure. [F7The regulatory authority] may provide that the responsibility for undertaking the studies in accordance with this Article lies with the TSO. All parties shall be informed of the results of the studies.
3.All parties identified by the relevant TSO as relevant to each connection point, including the relevant TSO, shall contribute to the studies and shall provide all relevant data and models as reasonably required to meet the purposes of the studies. The relevant TSO shall collect this input and, where applicable, pass it on to the party responsible for the studies in accordance with Article 10.
4.The relevant TSO shall assess the result of the SSTI studies. If necessary for the assessment, the relevant TSO may request that the HVDC system owner perform further SSTI studies in line with this same scope and extent.
5.The relevant TSO may review or replicate the study. The HVDC system owner shall provide the relevant TSO all relevant data and models that allow such study to be performed.
6.Any necessary mitigating actions identified by the studies carried out in accordance with paragraphs 2 or 4, and reviewed by the relevant TSOs, shall be undertaken by the HVDC system owner as part of the connection of the new HVDC converter station.
Textual Amendments
F7Words in Art. 31(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets and Network Codes) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1006), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 16
1.The relevant system operator shall specify and make publicly available the method and the pre-fault and post-fault conditions for the calculation of at least the minimum and maximum short circuit power at the connection points.
2.The HVDC system shall be capable of operating within the range of short circuit power and network characteristics specified by the relevant system operator.
3.Each relevant system operator shall provide the HVDC system owner with network equivalents describing the behaviour of the network at the connection point, enabling the HVDC system owners to design their system with regard to at least, but not limited to, harmonics and dynamic stability over the lifetime of the HVDC system.
1.The HVDC system shall be capable of finding stable operation points with a minimum change in active power flow and voltage level, during and after any planned or unplanned change in the HVDC system or AC network to which it is connected. The relevant TSO shall specify the changes in the system conditions for which the HVDC systems shall remain in stable operation.
2.The HVDC system owner shall ensure that the tripping or disconnection of an HVDC converter station, as part of any multi-terminal or embedded HVDC system, does not result in transients at the connection point beyond the limit specified by the relevant TSO.
3.The HVDC system shall withstand transient faults on HVAC lines in the network adjacent or close to the HVDC system, and shall not cause any of the equipment in the HVDC system to disconnect from the network due to auto-reclosure of lines in the network.
4.The HVDC system owner shall provide information to the relevant system operator on the resilience of the HVDC system to AC system disturbances.
1.The relevant system operator shall specify, in coordination with the relevant TSO, the schemes and settings necessary to protect the network taking into account the characteristics of the HVDC system. Protection schemes relevant for the HVDC system and the network, and settings relevant for the HVDC system, shall be coordinated and agreed between the relevant system operator, the relevant TSO and the HVDC system owner. The protection schemes and settings for internal electrical faults shall be designed so as not to jeopardise the performance of the HVDC system in accordance with this Regulation.
2.Electrical protection of the HVDC system shall take precedence over operational controls taking into account system security, health and safety of staff and the public and mitigation of the damage to the HVDC system.
3.Any change to the protection schemes or their settings relevant to the HVDC system and the network shall be agreed between the relevant system operator, the relevant TSO and the HVDC system owner before being implemented by the HVDC system owner.
1.A control scheme, specified by the HVDC system owner consisting of different control modes, including the settings of the specific parameters, shall be coordinated and agreed between the relevant TSO, the relevant system operator and the HVDC system owner.
2.With regard to priority ranking of protection and control, the HVDC system owner shall organise its protections and control devices in compliance with the following priority ranking, listed in decreasing order of importance, unless otherwise specified by the relevant TSOs, in coordination with the relevant system operator:
(a)network system and HVDC system protection;
(b)active power control for emergency assistance;
(c)synthetic inertia, if applicable;
(d)automatic remedial actions as specified in Article 13(3);
(e)LFSM;
(f)FSM and frequency control; and
(g)power gradient constraint.
1.The parameters of the different control modes and the protection settings of the HVDC system shall be able to be changed in the HVDC converter station, if required by the relevant system operator or the relevant TSO, and in accordance with paragraph 3.
2.Any change to the schemes or settings of parameters of the different control modes and protection of the HVDC system, including the procedure, shall be coordinated and agreed between the relevant system operator, the relevant TSO and the HVDC system owner.
3.The control modes and associated setpoints of the HVDC system shall be capable of being changed remotely, as specified by the relevant system operator, in coordination with the relevant TSO.
1.The relevant TSO may obtain a quote for black start capability from an HVDC system owner.
2.An HVDC system with black start capability shall be able, in case one converter station is energised, to energise the busbar of the AC-substation to which another converter station is connected, within a timeframe after shut down of the HVDC system determined by the relevant TSOs. The HVDC system shall be able to synchronise within the frequency limits set out in Article 11 and within the voltage limits specified by the relevant TSO or as provided for in Article 18, where applicable. Wider frequency and voltage ranges can be specified by the relevant TSO where needed in order to restore system security.
3.The relevant TSO and the HVDC system owner shall agree on the capacity and availability of the black start capability and the operational procedure.