Session: Hybrid System & Substation

Paper Number: 167629

167629 - Innovations in Power Module and Valve Design for Offshore Applications of Vsc-Hvdc 

Abstract: 

The presentation will explore offshore grid connection implemented solutions and VSC HVDC power module research and development undertaken in the last year that has created power module and VSC HVDC valve designs to deliver increased power density for offshore grid connection applications such as offshore wind or power to shore for oil and gas installations that support decarbonisation of the sector.

This presentation will introduce experience of development and testing of power modules circuits based on parallel and series IGBT installation as well as the evolution and use of leading edge IGBT ratings and designs.

In addition current power module R&D and valve structure mechanical design evolutions will be discussed that lead to higher power densities and reduced maintenance time durations, supporting both CAPEX and OPEX reduction for offshore grid connections.

The presentation will explore both the physical assemblies as well as the control strategies for the safe and reliable manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of these designs that will provide increasingly higher power density VSC HVDC converter designs.

The development of a supporting converter valve system health monitoring system and support to predictive maintenance will be discussed.

Examples of reduction in component count, weight and maintenance times will be presented.

Presenting Author: Richard Cooke Rongxin Power Ltd

Presenting Author Biography: Richard Cooke is a professionally qualified (C.Eng) Mechanical engineer who has spent his career in automation and power industries in a series of project management, business management and business development roles.

With over 30 years’ experience winning and delivering major power infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally; Richard has worked in the automotive, food, pharmaceuticals, power generation and power transmission sectors. Throughout those 30+ years in the power industry he has led or been involved with cross cultural teams, including periods of expatriation.

Through his career he has been involved in OEM, contractor and consultant business environments. With a broad experience of engineering issues in both electrical and mechanical disciplines as well as a range of business roles Richard has been very successful at bridging discipline and function silos to maximize communication and performance.

Richard’s involvement in HVDC technology and projects started on 2003 and in the intervening years he has:
• Supported the business plan development and then product launch for the VSC-HVDC product line of one of the European OEMs
• Successfully engaged an oil and gas contractor in the delivery of both service and EPCI services for VSC-HVDC projects within the offshore renewables and grid systems sector.
• Managed the qualification and tender processes for RXHK to bid in consortium with contractors for European VSC-HVDC interconnector projects.

Authors:

Richard Cooke Rongxin Power Ltd
Paolo Bordignon Rongxin Huiko Electric Co.,Ltd
Graeme Bathurst Rongxin Power Ltd
Rong Yi Rongxin Huiko Electric Co.,Ltd
Ting Lu Rongxin Huiko Electric Co.,Ltd