IEC TR 62001-5-2021 PDF

Full title and description

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems - Guidance to the specification and design evaluation of AC filters - Part 5: AC side harmonics and appropriate harmonic limits for HVDC systems with voltage sourced converters (VSC). This Technical Report provides guidance on the harmonic behaviour of VSC-based HVDC converters, how those harmonics are modelled and assessed, and recommendations for specifying AC filters and harmonic limits in project and standards documents.

Abstract

IEC TR 62001-5:2021 documents the state of the art for VSC HVDC harmonic profiles, explains modelling approaches (voltage-source, current-source or hybrid equivalents), examines harmonic generation mechanisms including interharmonics and supraharmonics, evaluates the interaction between converter-generated harmonics and pre-existing network distortion, and gives guidance on specifying AC filters and appropriate harmonic limits for connection agreements and equipment design. The report is intended as a reference for standards writers, project engineers and system planners.

General information

• Status: Technical Report (active, reference guidance document).
• Publication date: 25 August 2021.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 22 / SC 22F.
• ICS / categories: 29.200 (Rectifiers. Converters. Stabilized power supply).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2021).
• Number of pages: 132 pages (electronic publication details as listed by the IEC webstore).

These bibliographic details are taken from the IEC publication information for IEC TR 62001-5:2021.

Scope

IEC TR 62001-5:2021 gives guidance for the specification and design evaluation of AC filters on the AC side of VSC-based HVDC systems. It addresses: the harmonic profile of present and anticipated VSC architectures; modelling approaches for converters and their harmonic impedance; the dual effect of converters on point-of-common-coupling (converter-generated harmonics plus interaction with pre-existing harmonics); assessment of interharmonics and higher-frequency components; and recommendations for setting appropriate harmonic limits and verification/measurement strategies under existing IEC and national regulations. The document also identifies areas where standards can be improved or where further research is needed.

Key topics and requirements

• Characterisation of VSC harmonic profiles and how these differ from LCC converters (harmonic content, frequency range, presence of interharmonics/supraharmonics).
• Modelling approaches for converter behaviour at harmonic frequencies (voltage-source vs current-source equivalence, internal impedance).
• Assessment of harmonic impedance and the impact on pre-existing network harmonics; recommendations for aggregate vs incremental limit approaches.
• Guidance for AC filter specification and design evaluation to meet harmonic limits and mitigate undesirable resonances or network interactions.
• Considerations and measurement/verification approaches for interharmonics and non-ideal operating conditions.
• Recommendations for adapting existing harmonic-related standards and for further research needs (supraharmonics, multi-converter proximity issues).

Typical use and users

Primary users are HVDC system designers and manufacturers (VSC converter suppliers), transmission system operators and utilities specifying connection and performance requirements, consulting engineers performing harmonic studies and filter design, testing laboratories performing site verification, and standards developers updating harmonic limits and assessment procedures. Project managers and procurement teams use the guidance to prepare technical specifications for HVDC contracts.

Related standards

IEC TR 62001-5 complements other power quality and HVDC documents and technical reports. Relevant references and related documents include the IEC 61000 series on electromagnetic compatibility and harmonic emission limits (for example guidance used in setting network planning and statutory harmonic limits), other parts of the IEC TR 62001 family (HVDC systems guidance), recent/relevant IEC work on HVDC converter station losses and performance, and technical brochures from CIGRE addressing harmonics and filter practice for VSC HVDC. National/adopted variants (e.g., DIN adoptions) are available where translations or national forewords have been published.

Keywords

HVDC, VSC, harmonics, interharmonics, supraharmonics, AC filters, harmonic limits, harmonic impedance, power quality, filter specification, converter modelling.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 62001-5:2021 is a Technical Report from the International Electrotechnical Commission providing guidance on AC-side harmonics and appropriate harmonic limits specifically for HVDC systems using voltage sourced converters (VSC).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the harmonic profile and generation mechanisms of VSC converters, modelling approaches for harmonic studies, the harmonic impedance of converters, interaction with pre-existing network distortion, recommendations for AC filter specification and design evaluation, and advice on setting and verifying harmonic limits (including discussion of interharmonics and higher-frequency components).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: HVDC project engineers, VSC converter manufacturers, transmission system operators, consultants performing harmonic and filter studies, test laboratories, and standards developers. It is used both for preparing technical specifications and for informing standards updates.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 62001-5:2021 is the first edition published in 2021 and (as published by the IEC) carries a stability date into 2029. It has not been indicated as superseded. Users should check the IEC webstore or national standards bodies for any amendments or newer editions after February 26, 2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 5 of the IEC TR 62001 guidance documents addressing HVDC systems (the broader 62001 TR family covers guidance on specification and design evaluation topics for HVDC). Related parts and technical reports address other HVDC design aspects.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HVDC, VSC, harmonics, interharmonics, supraharmonics, AC filters, harmonic limits, harmonic impedance, power quality, filter design.