IEC TR 62543-2022 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 62543:2022 — High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission using voltage‑sourced converters (VSC). This technical report gives general guidance on VSC technology applied to HVDC transmission, describes types of VSC circuits and their principal operational characteristics and typical applications, and is intended to assist purchasers, designers and project teams in specifying VSC transmission schemes.

Abstract

IEC TR 62543:2022 provides a consolidated, practical overview of voltage‑sourced converter solutions for HVDC power transmission. It covers 2‑level and 3‑level PWM converters, multi‑level topologies (including modular multi‑level converters and cascaded two‑level converters), operational characteristics, typical applications and selection guidance for purchasers and specifiers. Line‑commutated and current‑sourced converters, and 2‑level/3‑level converters operating in square‑wave (non‑PWM) mode, are excluded.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 30 March 2022
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• ICS / categories: 29.200; 29.240.99
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (Technical Report)
• Number of pages: 64

Scope

The report gives general guidance on voltage‑sourced converters used for HVDC power transmission. It describes self‑commutated, voltage‑sourced converters that include capacitive DC energy storage and whose DC polarity remains fixed. The scope includes PWM‑operated 2‑level and 3‑level converters and various multi‑level topologies (e.g., modular multi‑level converters, cascaded two‑level converters), their circuit variants, operational behaviour and typical applications. It excludes line‑commutated converters, current‑sourced converters and non‑PWM square‑wave operation for 2‑ and 3‑level converters.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification and description of VSC circuit types (2‑level, 3‑level, multi‑level, MMC, cascaded converters).
• Operational characteristics: control methods, dynamic behaviour, reactive power capability and black‑start potential.
• Pulse‑width modulation (PWM) considerations and converter switching alternatives.
• Typical converter applications, topological trade‑offs and suitability by project requirements.
• Guidance for purchasers and specifiers on selecting appropriate VSC transmission schemes.
• Exclusions and limitations: line‑commutated/current‑sourced converters and non‑PWM square‑wave 2/3‑level converters.
• Practical notes on protection, filtering, DC layout variants (e.g., dedicated metallic return, rigid bipole) and semiconductor device options.

Typical use and users

This technical report is used by utilities, transmission system operators, project developers, consulting engineers, equipment manufacturers, procurement teams and researchers. Typical use cases include early‑stage technology selection, tender/specification drafting for HVDC projects, comparative technology studies, and education/training on VSC‑HVDC options and trade‑offs.

Related standards

Related IEC publications and predecessor documents include IEC PAS 62543:2008 and IEC TR 62543:2011 (with its amendments), which this document revises and replaces. It is developed by IEC TC 22/SC 22F and references related technical work on converters and HVDC practice (other IEC publications on converter equipment, testing and HVDC station design are commonly used alongside this TR).

Keywords

HVDC, VSC, voltage‑sourced converter, PWM, modular multi‑level converter (MMC), cascaded two‑level, converter station, power transmission, converter topology, HVDC specification, VSC transmission

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 62543:2022 is a technical report providing guidance on voltage‑sourced converter technologies used for high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers descriptions of VSC topologies (2‑ and 3‑level PWM, multi‑level, MMC, cascaded two‑level), their operational characteristics, typical applications and guidance for purchasers and specifiers. It excludes line‑commutated/current‑sourced converters and non‑PWM square‑wave operation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utilities, transmission planners, consultants, HVDC project teams, manufacturers and procurement/specification teams use it for technology selection, tender specifications and to inform HVDC project planning.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the current (published) edition released on 30 March 2022 and supersedes earlier IEC/PAS and IEC TR versions of 62543.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The publication is a Technical Report from IEC TC 22/SC 22F and is part of the body of IEC documents addressing converters, power electronics and HVDC technology; it consolidates and replaces earlier PAS/TR editions of the same number.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HVDC, VSC, PWM, MMC, modular multi‑level, cascaded two‑level, converter station, power transmission, converter topology.