IEC TR 62543:2011

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced converters (VSC)

IEC/TR 62543:2011(E) gives general guidance on the subject of voltage-sourced converters used for transmission of power by high voltage direct current (HVDC). It describes converters that are not only voltage-sourced (containing a capacitive energy storage medium and where the polarity of d.c. voltage remains fixed) but also self-commutated, using semiconductor devices which can both be turned on and turned off by control action. The scope includes 2-level and 3-level converters with pulse-width modulation (PWM), along with multi-level converters, but excludes 2-level and 3-level converters operated without PWM, in square-wave output mode. HVDC power transmission using voltage sourced converters is known as "VSC transmission". The various types of circuit that can be used for VSC transmission are described in the report, along with their principal operational characteristics and typical applications. The overall aim is to provide a guide for purchasers to assist with the task of specifying a VSC transmission scheme. Line-commutated and current-sourced converters are specifically excluded from this report. This technical report cancels and replaces IEC/PAS 62543:2008 (Ed.1) which was published by IEC and CIGRÉ jointly, and combined with engineering experience.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-May-2017
• ICS: 01 - GENERALITIES. TERMINOLOGY. STANDARDIZATION. DOCUMENTATION
• ICS: 29.200 - Rectifiers. Convertors. Stabilized power supply
• ICS: 29.240.99 - Other equipment related to power transmission and distribution networks
• Technical Committee: SC 22F - Power electronics for electrical transmission and distribution systems
• Drafting Committee: WG 19 - TC 22/SC 22F/WG 19
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 25-Jun-2021
• Completion Date: 30-Mar-2022

Relations

• Replaces: IEC PAS 62543:2008 - DC transmission using voltage sourced converters
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Amended By: IEC TR 62543:2011/AMD2:2017 - Amendment 2 - High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced converters (VSC)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Amended By: IEC TR 62543:2011/AMD1:2013 - Amendment 1 - High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced converters (VSC)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC TR 62543:2022 - High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced converters (VSC)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-03
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
IEC/TR 62543:2011(E)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or

IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.

Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette

publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.iec.ch
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
 Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
 IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
 Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: [e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-03
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
XC
ICS 29.200; 29.240.99 ISBN 978-2-88912-424-4

– 2 – TR 62543  IEC:2011(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6

1 Scope . 8

2 Normative references . 8

3 Terms and definitions . 8

3.1 General . 8

3.2 Letter symbols . 9

3.3 Power semiconductor terms . 9

3.4 VSC topologies . 10
submodule d.c. capacitor . 12
3.5 VSC transmission . 12
3.6 Operating states . 14
3.7 Type tests . 15
3.8 Production tests . 15
3.9 Sample tests . 15
3.10 Insulation co-ordination terms . 16
3.11 Power losses . 16
4 VSC transmission overview . 17
4.1 Basic operating principles of VSC transmission . 17
4.1.1 The voltage sourced converter as a black box . 17
4.1.2 The principles of active and reactive power control . 18
4.1.3 Operating principles of a VSC transmission scheme . 19
4.1.4 Applications of VSC transmission . 20
4.2 Design life . 20
4.3 VSC transmission configurations . 20
4.3.1 General . 20
4.3.2 D.C. circuit configurations . 21
4.3.3 Monopole configuration . 21
4.3.4 Bipolar configuration . 22
4.3.5 Parallel connection of two converters . 22
4.3.6 Series connection of two converters . 23
4.3.7 Parallel and series connection of more than two converters . 23
4.4 Semiconductors for VSC transmission . 23

5 VSC transmission converter topologies . 25
5.1 General . 25
5.2 Converter topologies with VSC valves of “switch” type . 25
5.2.1 General . 25
5.2.2 Operating principle . 26
5.2.3 Topologies . 26
5.3 Converter topologies with VSC valves of the “controllable voltage source”
type . 29
5.3.1 General . 29
5.3.2 MMC topology with VSC levels in half-bridge topology . 30
5.3.3 MMC topology with VSC levels in full-bridge topology . 31
5.4 VSC valve design considerations . 32
5.4.1 Reliability and failure mode . 32
5.4.2 Current rating . 33

TR 62543  IEC:2011(E) – 3 –
5.4.3 Transient current and voltage requirements . 33

5.4.4 Diode requirements . 33

5.4.5 Additional design details . 34

5.5 Other converter topologies . 34

5.6 Other equipment for VSC transmission schemes . 35

5.6.1 General . 35

5.6.2 Power components of a VSC transmission scheme . 35

5.6.3 VSC substation circuit breaker . 35

5.6.4 A.C. system side harmonic filters . 35

5.6.5 Radio frequency interference filters . 36

5.6.6 Interface transformers and phase reactors . 36
5.6.7 Valve reactor . 37
5.6.8 D.C. capacitors . 37
5.6.9 D.C. reactor . 39
5.6.10 Common mode blocking reactor . 39
5.6.11 D.C. filter . 39
6 Overview of VSC controls . 39
6.1 General . 39
6.2 Operational modes and operational options . 40
6.3 Power transfer . 41
6.3.1 General . 41
6.3.2 Telecommunication between converter stations . 42
6.4 Reactive power and a.c. voltage control . 42
6.4.1 A.C. voltage control . 42
6.4.2 Reactive power control . 42
6.5 Black start capability . 43
6.6 Supply from a wind farm . 43
7 Steady state operation . 44
7.1 Steady state capability . 44
7.2 Converter power losses . 45
8 Dynamic performance . 45
8.1 A.C. system disturbances . 45
8.2 D.C. system disturbances . 46
8.2.1 D.C. cable fault . 46
8.2.2 D.C. overhead line fault . 46

8.3 Internal faults . 46
9 HVDC performance requirements . 47
9.1 Harmonic performance . 47
9.2 Wave distortion . 48
9.3 Fundamental and harmonics . 48
9.3.1 Three-phase 2-level VSC . 48
9.3.2 Selective harmonic elimination modulation . 50
9.3.3 Multi-pulse and multi-level converters . 51
9.4 Harmonic voltages on power systems due to VSC operation . 51
9.5 Design considerations for harmonic filters (a.c. side) . 52
9.6 D.C. side filtering . 52
10 Environmental impact . 52
10.1 General . 52

– 4 – TR 62543  IEC:2011(E)
10.2 Audible noise . 52

10.3 Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) . 53

10.4 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 53

11 Testing and commissioning .
...

IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-03
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
IEC/TR 62543:2011(E)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either IEC or
IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,
please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf indication contraire, aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite
ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie
et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de la CEI ou du Comité national de la CEI du pays du demandeur.
Si vous avez des questions sur le copyright de la CEI ou si vous désirez obtenir des droits supplémentaires sur cette
publication, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après ou contactez le Comité national de la CEI de votre pays de résidence.

IEC Central Office
3, rue de Varembé
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.iec.ch
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.
 Catalogue of IEC publications: www.iec.ch/searchpub
The IEC on-line Catalogue enables you to search by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical committee,…).
It also gives information on projects, withdrawn and replaced publications.
 IEC Just Published: www.iec.ch/online_news/justpub
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published details twice a month all new publications released. Available
on-line and also by email.
 Electropedia: www.electropedia.org
The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and electrical terms containing more than 20 000 terms and definitions
in English and French, with equivalent terms in additional languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary online.
 Customer Service Centre: www.iec.ch/webstore/custserv
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or need further assistance, please visit the Customer Service
Centre FAQ or contact us:
Email: [e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-03
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
PRICE CODE
XC
ICS 29.200; 29.240.99 ISBN 978-2-88912-424-4

– 2 – TR 62543  IEC:2011(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
3.1 General . 8
3.2 Letter symbols . 9
3.3 Power semiconductor terms . 9
3.4 VSC topologies . 10
submodule d.c. capacitor . 12
3.5 VSC transmission . 12
3.6 Operating states . 14
3.7 Type tests . 15
3.8 Production tests . 15
3.9 Sample tests . 15
3.10 Insulation co-ordination terms . 16
3.11 Power losses . 16
4 VSC transmission overview . 17
4.1 Basic operating principles of VSC transmission . 17
4.1.1 The voltage sourced converter as a black box . 17
4.1.2 The principles of active and reactive power control . 18
4.1.3 Operating principles of a VSC transmission scheme . 19
4.1.4 Applications of VSC transmission . 20
4.2 Design life . 20
4.3 VSC transmission configurations . 20
4.3.1 General . 20
4.3.2 D.C. circuit configurations . 21
4.3.3 Monopole configuration . 21
4.3.4 Bipolar configuration . 22
4.3.5 Parallel connection of two converters . 22
4.3.6 Series connection of two converters . 23
4.3.7 Parallel and series connection of more than two converters . 23
4.4 Semiconductors for VSC transmission . 23
5 VSC transmission converter topologies . 25
5.1 General . 25
5.2 Converter topologies with VSC valves of “switch” type . 25
5.2.1 General . 25
5.2.2 Operating principle . 26
5.2.3 Topologies . 26
5.3 Converter topologies with VSC valves of the “controllable voltage source”
type . 29
5.3.1 General . 29
5.3.2 MMC topology with VSC levels in half-bridge topology . 30
5.3.3 MMC topology with VSC levels in full-bridge topology . 31
5.4 VSC valve design considerations . 32
5.4.1 Reliability and failure mode . 32
5.4.2 Current rating . 33

TR 62543  IEC:2011(E) – 3 –
5.4.3 Transient current and voltage requirements . 33
5.4.4 Diode requirements . 33
5.4.5 Additional design details . 34
5.5 Other converter topologies . 34
5.6 Other equipment for VSC transmission schemes . 35
5.6.1 General . 35
5.6.2 Power components of a VSC transmission scheme . 35
5.6.3 VSC substation circuit breaker . 35
5.6.4 A.C. system side harmonic filters . 35
5.6.5 Radio frequency interference filters . 36
5.6.6 Interface transformers and phase reactors . 36
5.6.7 Valve reactor . 37
5.6.8 D.C. capacitors . 37
5.6.9 D.C. reactor . 39
5.6.10 Common mode blocking reactor . 39
5.6.11 D.C. filter . 39
6 Overview of VSC controls . 39
6.1 General . 39
6.2 Operational modes and operational options . 40
6.3 Power transfer . 41
6.3.1 General . 41
6.3.2 Telecommunication between converter stations . 42
6.4 Reactive power and a.c. voltage control . 42
6.4.1 A.C. voltage control . 42
6.4.2 Reactive power control . 42
6.5 Black start capability . 43
6.6 Supply from a wind farm . 43
7 Steady state operation . 44
7.1 Steady state capability . 44
7.2 Converter power losses . 45
8 Dynamic performance . 45
8.1 A.C. system disturbances . 45
8.2 D.C. system disturbances . 46
8.2.1 D.C. cable fault . 46
8.2.2 D.C. overhead line fault . 46
8.3 Internal faults . 46
9 HVDC performance requirements . 47
9.1 Harmonic performance . 47
9.2 Wave distortion . 48
9.3 Fundamental and harmonics . 48
9.3.1 Three-phase 2-level VSC . 48
9.3.2 Selective harmonic elimination modulation . 50
9.3.3 Multi-pulse and multi-level converters . 51
9.4 Harmonic voltages on power systems due to VSC operation . 51
9.5 Design considerations for harmonic filters (a.c. side) . 52
9.6 D.C. side filtering . 52
10 Environmental impact . 52
10.1 General . 52

– 4 – TR 62543  IEC:2011(E)
10.2 Audible noise . 52
10.3 Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) . 53
10.4 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 53
11 Testing and commissioning . 54
11.1 General .
...

IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-07
CONSOLIDATED
VERSION
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
IEC/TR 62543:2011+A1:2013
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form

or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester.
If you have any questions about IEC copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication,

please contact the address below or your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé Fax: [phone]

CH-1211 Geneva 20 [e-mail]
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

Useful links:
IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The advanced search enables you to find IEC publications The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
by a variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical electrical terms containing more than 30 000 terms and
committee,…). definitions in English and French, with equivalent terms in
It also gives information on projects, replaced and additional languages. Also known as the International
withdrawn publications. Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) on-line.

IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication
details all new publications released. Available on-line and or need further assistance, please contact the
also once a month by email. Customer Service Centre: [e-mail].

IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-07
CONSOLIDATED
VERSION
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced

converters (VSC)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.200; 29.240.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-1031-4

IEC/TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.1 2013-07
REDLINE VERSION
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
IEC/TR 62543:2011+A1:2013
– 2 – TR 62543  IEC:2011+A1:2013(E)

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6

1 Scope . 8

2 Normative references . 8

3 Terms and definitions . 8

3.1 General . 8

3.2 Letter symbols . 9

3.3 Power semiconductor terms . 9

3.4 VSC topologies . 10
3.5 VSC transmission . 13
3.6 Operating states . 14
3.7 Type tests . 16
3.8 Production tests . 17
3.9 Sample tests . 17
3.10 Insulation co-ordination terms . 17
3.11 Power losses . 17
4 VSC transmission overview . 18
4.1 Basic operating principles of VSC transmission . 18
4.1.1 The voltage sourced converter as a black box . 18
4.1.2 The principles of active and reactive power control . 19
4.1.3 Operating principles of a VSC transmission scheme . 21
4.1.4 Applications of VSC transmission . 21
4.2 Design life . 22
4.3 VSC transmission configurations . 22
4.3.1 General . 22
4.3.2 D.C. circuit configurations . 22
4.3.3 Monopole configuration . 22
4.3.4 Bipolar configuration . 23
4.3.5 Parallel connection of two converters . 24
4.3.6 Series connection of two converters . 24
4.3.7 Parallel and series connection of more than two converters . 25
4.4 Semiconductors for VSC transmission . 25
5 VSC transmission converter topologies . 26
5.1 General . 26

5.2 Converter topologies with VSC valves of “switch” type . 27
5.2.1 General . 27
5.2.2 Operating principle . 27
5.2.3 Topologies . 28
5.3 Converter topologies with VSC valves of the “controllable voltage source”
type . 31
5.3.1 General . 31
5.3.2 MMC topology with VSC levels in half-bridge topology . 33
5.3.3 MMC topology with VSC levels in full-bridge topology . 35
5.3.4 CTL topology with VSC cells in half-bridge topology . 33
5.3.5 CTL topology with VSC cells in full-bridge topology . 33
5.4 VSC valve design considerations . 37
5.4.1 Reliability and failure mode . 37
5.4.2 Current rating . 37

TR 62543  IEC:2011+A1:2013(E) – 3 –

5.4.3 Transient current and voltage requirements . 37

5.4.4 Diode requirements . 38

5.4.5 Additional design details . 38

5.5 Other converter topologies . 39

5.6 Other equipment for VSC transmission schemes . 39

5.6.1 General . 39

5.6.2 Power components of a VSC transmission scheme . 39

5.6.3 VSC substation circuit breaker . 40

5.6.4 A.C. system side harmonic filters . 40

5.6.5 Radio frequency interference filters . 40

5.6.6 Interface transformers and phase reactors . 40
5.6.7 Valve reactor . 41
5.6.8 D.C. capacitors . 41
5.6.9 D.C. reactor . 43
5.6.10 Common mode blocking reactor . 43
5.6.11 D.C. filter . 44
5.6.12 Dynamic braking system. . 44
6 Overview of VSC controls . 44
6.1 General . 44
6.2 Operational modes and operational options . 45
6.3 Power transfer . 46
6.3.1 General . 46
6.3.2 Telecommunication between converter stations . 47
6.4 Reactive power and a.c. voltage control . 47
6.4.1 A.C. voltage control . 47
6.4.2 Reactive power control . 47
6.5 Black start capability . 48
6.6 Supply from a wind farm . 48
7 Steady state operation . 48
7.1 Steady state capability . 48
7.2 Converter power losses . 50
8 Dynamic performance . 50
8.1 A.C. system disturbances . 50
8.2 D.C. system disturbances . 51
8.2.1 D.C. cable fault . 51

8.2.2 D.C. overhead line fault . 51
8.3 Internal faults . 51
9 HVDC performance requirements . 52
9.1 Harmonic performance . 52
9.2 Wave distortion . 53
9.3 Fundamental and harmonics . 53
9.3.1 Three-phase 2-level VSC . 53
9.3.2 Selective harmonic elimination modulation . 55
9.3.3 Multi-pulse and multi-level converters . 56
9.4 Harmonic voltages on power systems due to VSC operation . 56
9.5 Design considerations for harmonic filters (a.c. side) . 57
9.6 D.C. side filtering . 57

– 4 – TR 62543  IEC:2011+A1:2013(E)

10 Environmental impact . 57

10.1 General . 57

10.2 Audible noise .
...

IEC TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.2 2017-05
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form

or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from

either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or

your local IEC member National Committee for further information.

IEC Central Office Tel.: [phone]
3, rue de Varembé Fax: [phone]

CH-1211 Geneva 20 [e-mail]
Switzerland www.iec.ch
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigenda or an amendment might have been published.

IEC Catalogue - webstore.iec.ch/catalogue Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
The stand-alone application for consulting the entire The world's leading online dictionary of electronic and
bibliographical information on IEC International Standards, electrical terms containing 20 000 terms and definitions in
Technical Specifications, Technical Reports and other English and French, with equivalent terms in 16 additional
documents. Available for PC, Mac OS, Android Tablets and languages. Also known as the International Electrotechnical
iPad. Vocabulary (IEV) online.

IEC publications search - www.iec.ch/searchpub IEC Glossary - std.iec.ch/glossary
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a 65 000 electrotechnical terminology entries in English and
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical French extracted from the Terms and Definitions clause of
committee,…). It also gives information on projects, replaced IEC publications issued since 2002. Some entries have been
and withdrawn publications. collected from earlier publications of IEC TC 37, 77, 86 and

CISPR.
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
details all new publications released. Available online and If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
also once a month by email. need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: [e-mail].
IEC TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.2 2017-05
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
TECHNICAL
REPORT
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced

converters (VSC)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.200; 29.240.99 ISBN 978-2-8322-4416-6

IEC TR 62543 ®
Edition 1.2 2017-05
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
colour
inside
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage sourced
converters (VSC)
– 2 – IEC TR 62543:2011+AMD1:2013

+AMD2:2017 CSV  IEC 2017
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 6

1 Scope . 8

2 Normative references . 8

3 Terms and definitions . 8

3.1 General . 8

3.2 Letter symbols . 11

3.3 Power semiconductor terms .

3.4 VSC topologies .
3.5 VSC transmission . 14
3.6 Operating states .
3.7 Type tests . 16
3.8 Production tests . 17
3.9 Sample tests . 17
3.10 Insulation co-ordination terms .
3.11 Power losses . 17
4 VSC transmission overview . 18
4.1 Basic operating principles of VSC transmission . 18
4.1.1 The voltage sourced converter as a black box . 18
4.1.2 The principles of active and reactive power control . 19
4.1.3 Operating principles of a VSC transmission scheme . 21
4.1.4 Applications of VSC transmission . 22
4.2 Design life . 22
4.3 VSC transmission configurations . 22
4.3.1 General . 22
4.3.2 D.C. circuit configurations . 23
4.3.3 Monopole configuration . 23
4.3.4 Bipolar configuration . 24
4.3.5 Parallel connection of two converters . 25
4.3.6 Series connection of two converters . 26
4.3.7 Parallel and series connection of more than two converters . 26
4.4 Semiconductors for VSC transmission . 27
5 VSC transmission converter topologies . 28

5.1 General . 28
5.2 Converter topologies with VSC valves of “switch” type . 29
5.2.1 General . 29
5.2.2 Operating principle . 29
5.2.3 Topologies . 30
5.3 Converter topologies with VSC valves of the “controllable voltage source”
type . 33
5.3.1 General . 33
5.3.2 MMC topology with VSC levels in half-bridge topology . 35
5.3.3 MMC topology with VSC levels in full-bridge topology . 37
5.3.4 CTL topology with VSC cells in half-bridge topology . 38
5.3.5 CTL topology with VSC cells in full-bridge topology . 39
5.4 VSC valve design considerations . 39
5.4.1 Reliability and failure mode . 39

+AMD2:2017 CSV  IEC 2017
5.4.2 Current rating . 39

5.4.3 Transient current and voltage requirements . 39

5.4.4 Diode requirements . 40

5.4.5 Additional design details . 41

5.5 Other converter topologies . 41

5.6 Other equipment for VSC transmission schemes . 41

5.6.1 General . 41

5.6.2 Power components of a VSC transmission scheme . 42

5.6.3 VSC substation circuit breaker . 42

5.6.4 A.C. system side harmonic filters . 42

5.6.5 Radio frequency interference filters . 42
5.6.6 Interface transformers and phase reactors . 43
5.6.7 Valve reactor . 43
5.6.8 D.C. capacitors . 44
5.6.9 D.C. reactor . 46
5.6.10 Common mode blocking reactor . 46
5.6.11 D.C. filter . 46
5.6.12 Dynamic braking system . 46
6 Overview of VSC controls . 47
6.1 General . 47
6.2 Operational modes and operational options . 47
6.3 Power transfer . 48
6.3.1 General . 48
6.3.2 Telecommunication between converter stations . 49
6.4 Reactive power and a.c. voltage control . 49
6.4.1 A.C. voltage control . 49
6.4.2 Reactive power control . 50
6.5 Black start capability . 50
6.6 Supply from a wind farm . 51
7 Steady state operation . 51
7.1 Steady state capability . 51
7.2 Converter power losses . 52
8 Dynamic performance . 53
8.1 A.C. system disturbances . 53
8.2 D.C. system disturbances . 54

8.2.1 D.C. cable fault . 54
8.2.2 D.C. overhead line fault . 54
8.3 Internal faults . 54
9 HVDC performance requirements . 55
9.1 Harmonic performance . 55
9.2 Wave distortion . 56
9.3 Fundamental and harmonics . 56
9.3.1 Three-phase 2-level VSC . 56
9.3.3 Multi-pulse and multi-level converters . 59
9.4 Harmonic voltages on power systems due to VSC operation . 59
9.5 Design considerations for harmonic filters (a.c. side) .
...