Identifying Opportunities for Medium Voltage DC Systems in Australia

Transmission and distribution networks based on medium voltage direct current (MVDC) solutions have the potential to provide higher power quality, greater power transmission/conversion efficiency, enhanced power supply reliability/stability, improved power supply capacity, and more efficient corridor utilisation compared to an equivalent ac system. Moreover, MVDC networks can facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage systems (ESSs), and the increasing number of dc loads. However, these systems are still in early development stages; their advantages in need of clear demonstration before large-scale commercial adoption. This paper explores general MVDC network structures and different application scenarios focusing on cases of particular interest to Australian power systems and to Australia in general. Areas of interest are identified and equipment requirement, protection schemes and related challenges are also discussed, highlighting both technical barriers and possible development directions.