Development of functional specifications for HVDC grid systems

Several processes have been initiated for the development of technical concepts, guidelines and common requirements of HVDC Grid Systems. For implementing extended HVDC Grid Systems on a multi-vendor basis consolidated and agreed functional requirements for equipment and solutions are needed. Providing such requirements is the role of international standardisation bodies. With the primary focus on elaborating technical standards for HVDC Grid Systems, the CENELEC Technical Committee TC8X has started a new Working Group (WG06) “System Aspects of HVDC Grids”. Considering that Grid Systems are an entirely new application of HVDC technology, the first goal of this working group is elaborating a document describing clear functional specifications of different aspects for HVDC Grid Systems and associated equipment. With view on the early stage of technology this paper discusses the need for standardisation and presents the scope and methodology of WG06. The approach chosen to develop functional specifications is explained using two examples. The main contribution of this paper is to present a methodology for and the challenges in developing standards in a new field of technology and to foster discussion.