Comparing the performance of HVDC schemes sourced from pluto to different receiving end points within the Western Cape Network

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) offer better capability for long distance, bulk power transmission compared to ac lines. Among the reasons for this is that HVDC does not suffer from stability limitations that ac lines experience. Also, the power that is required to be sent via HVDC lines can be scheduled as desired, whereas the power flowing through ac lines is directly influenced by the topology and impedances of equipment forming the system. In this paper, the possibility of introducing HVDC lines into the Cape system in order to improve the voltage stability limit of the system is investigated. In particular, the impact of the receiving end point in the load area chosen for the HVDC schemes is evaluated. Two receiving end points in the Cape network, namely Omega (scenario 1) and Kappa (scenario 2) substations are evaluated on the basis of loadflows, active power system losses, and voltage stability improvements. It is shown that the choice of the receiving end points can have profound impact of the techno-economic performance of the HVDC scheme commissioned to improve transfer capability.