Placement of HVDC links for reduction of network congestions

This paper presents a novel method to optimize the placement of a given number of HVDC links. An optimization criterion, based on the minimization of branch loading, is proposed as a valid alternative to other criteria widely used in the literature. To take into account the uncertainty given by the grid operating conditions, i.e. by load demand and generator dispatching, a double stage stochastic optimization is proposed. The validity of the proposed approach is demonstrated by different analysis performed on the IEEE39 test grid. Results show effectiveness of the method in improving grid security. Indirectly a more economic grid operation is achieved and interesting findings related to the use of the HVDC links in various grid operating conditions are drawn.