Feasibility of direct measurement of HVDC converter station loss

Losses of HVDC converter stations need to be accurately quantified to support evaluation of bids for such systems and to underpin efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At present, these losses are estimated, based on loss calculations for individual converter components, and no reliable method exists to measure the actual HVDC converter station loss as difference between power on the AC-and DC-side of the station. The necessary requirements for such a measurement are investigated in this study, and a tentative design of a suitable loss measuring setup is explored. This approach is a useful alternative for those cases where a direct measurement of losses via a temporary connection with two converters operating in back-to-back mode cannot be made.