Zhangbei VSC-HVDC Project Energizes Ring Grid to Power Green Olympics for Beijing 2022

Recently, Zhangbei VSC-HVDC Demonstration Project, a key supporting project for Beijing 2022, energized the four-terminal ring grid, the first success in the world, which verified the key technologies of dynamic transmission and consumption of large scale renewable energy.

The test run interconnected Zhangbei, Kangbao, Fengning and Beijing converter stations for the first time, realizing the first DC "grid" worldwide. It is a comprehensive test for all stations and equipment of the project, which is of great importance to formal operation. Coordinated by State Grid UHV Transmission Project Department, State Grid Jibei Power Grid Company, State Grid Beijing Electric Power Company, State Grid DC Engineering Construction Company and all participating units closely cooperated with each other, and followed every detail of the trial operation. In addition, emergency personnel worked on two shifts to timely shoot troubles to ensure the smooth operation.

 ±500 kV Zhongdu Converter Station of Zhangbei VSC-HVDC Demonstration Project

During the two sessions, CCTV has highlighted the milestones of the project in its live programme followed by reports from State Grid, SGCCTOP and other industry media. The project has received extensive attention.

As a VSC-HVDC project with the highest voltage level and largest transmission capacity in the world, Zhangbei VSC-HVDC project has a transmission voltage of ±500kV and a rated capacity of 1.5 GW for a single converter. Key equipment such as DC circuit breakers with large current breaking capacity, high-parameter IGBT converter valves, control and protection systems for DC power grids and AC energy dissipation devices have been developed and deployed for the first time, creating 12 world records. The project has realized the world's first DC power grid with network characteristics and of great significance for innovation and demonstration.

±500 kV Zhongdu Converter Station of Zhangbei VSC-HVDC Demonstration Project

Northern part of Hebei Province is a 10 GW-level wind power base planned for the national renewable energy development, with abundant wind and solar power. While it is estimated that installed capacity of renewable energy in this area will exceed 20 GW, it is necessary to transmit the energy out due to the local limited consumption. After being put into operation, the project will deliver massive clean energy, start the large-scale connection and delivery of clean energy, and connect the Zhangbei renewable energy generation base, Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station with load centers in Beijing.

The project demonstrates the world's most advanced technologies in power generation, transmission, storage, utilization and operation control, and is a model solution for large-scale renewable energy integration and transmission, meeting the needs under renewables-dominated scenario. Furthermore, the project can convert clean energy such as wind and solar power in Zhangjiakou into stable green power and transmit to Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei regions, solving the global problem of large-scale accommodation of renewable energy while ensuring the green power supply for Beijing 2022. It has also innovated a new way for friendly connection and flexible transmission of clean energy, which is of comprehensive benefits and strategic significance to energy transformation and green development, a low-carbon and green Beijing 2022, as well as scientific and technological innovation.

The valve hall of ±500 kV Zhongdu Converter Station of Zhangbei VSC-HVDC Demonstration Project

Sources reveal that about half electricity used in the Beijing 2022 venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou will come from here. The project can transmit about 14.1 TWh of clean energy to Beijing each year, an equivalent of about one tenth of Beijing's power consumption, which will save 4.9 million tons of standard coal and reduce 12.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emission each year.