Latest control and protection innovations applied to the Basslink HVDC interconnector

This paper describes the control and protection (C&P) system of the Basslink HVDC Interconnector project and in particular Win-TDC, the latest innovation from Siemens in the field of HVDC controls. The key aspects of the C&P structure and its redundancy are addressed. Reviews of measurement integration, monitoring, communication and time synchronisation, plus a brief overview of the design process (including off- and on-site tests) are also given. Special features, e.g. the control concept of the exceptionally long HVDC cable, power control functions according to market dispatch targets, flexible overload functions and the Basslink frequency controller (which acts upon the frequency difference between the Tasmanian and Victorian systems) will also be covered.