IEC TR 63179-1-2020 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 63179-1:2020 — Guideline for planning of HVDC systems — Part 1: HVDC systems with line-commutated converters. This technical report provides guidance for selecting, specifying and planning high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission schemes that use line-commutated converters (LCC), including considerations for system integration, rated voltage and power selection, overload capability, circuit configuration and expandability, and comparison of technical, economic, regulatory, social and environmental factors relevant to project planning.

Abstract

IEC TR 63179-1:2020 gives planners and stakeholders a structured set of guidelines to support preliminary and detailed planning decisions for point‑to‑point LCC HVDC projects. The report focuses on the selection of converter type (LCC), rated voltage and power, interface requirements with AC networks, overloads, circuit topologies, expandability and non‑technical factors (economic, regulatory, environmental and social) that affect the selection and implementation of HVDC schemes. It is intended as a planning guide rather than a comprehensive design standard.

General information

• Status: Published (original publication); later superseded by IEC TR 63179:2026 (see Related standards).
• Publication date: 21 April 2020.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.200; 29.240.01 (rectifiers/converters; power transmission and distribution networks).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2020).
• Number of pages: 28 pages.

Scope

The document provides guidelines applicable to the planning of HVDC systems using line‑commutated converters. Topics covered include requirements for integrating HVDC systems into AC networks, methods for selecting rated voltage and power, specification of overload capability and circuit configuration, guidance on system expandability and a framework for comparing technical, economic, regulatory, political, social and environmental aspects when choosing and planning an HVDC solution. The report is intended as a planning guideline and does not claim to be exhaustive; project‑specific aspects may require additional study.

Key topics and requirements

• Guidance for selection between HVDC (LCC) and AC transmission options during planning stages.
• Selection of rated voltage and power for LCC HVDC schemes, including considerations for overloads and short‑term capability.
• Requirements and recommendations for integrating LCC HVDC converters into AC power networks (system interaction, reactive power, fault behaviour).
• Circuit configuration and topology choices for point‑to‑point back‑to‑back and expandability considerations.
• Framework for technical‑economic comparison of alternatives, including non‑technical drivers (regulatory, environmental, social and political factors).
• Planning process steps and objectives to be achieved during the planning phase (preliminary definition of scheme, converter type selection, grid studies, and techno‑economic appraisal).

Typical use and users

This technical report is used by transmission planners, electric utilities, project developers, consulting engineers, system integrators, equipment manufacturers and regulatory authorities involved in the early‑stage evaluation and planning of HVDC projects using LCC technology. It is useful for feasibility studies, option comparison, preliminary system definition and for informing procurement and policy decisions during project development.

Related standards

IEC TR 63179-1:2020 is part of the IEC 63179 series for HVDC planning. It has been superseded by the consolidated IEC TR 63179:2026, which expands planning guidance to include LCC and VSC technologies and broader HVDC planning topics. National and adoption publications include PD IEC TR 63179-1:2020 (BSI adoption) and identical/adopted equivalents such as IS 17775 Part 1:2021 (where listed).

Keywords

HVDC, LCC, line‑commutated converter, transmission planning, converter selection, rated voltage, overload, circuit configuration, expandability, techno‑economic comparison, grid integration.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 63179-1:2020 is a Technical Report published by the International Electrotechnical Commission that provides planning guidelines for high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) systems using line‑commutated converters (LCC).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers guidance on selecting LCC HVDC schemes, choosing rated voltage and power, defining overload capability, circuit configurations, expandability, integration with AC networks, and how to perform a balanced technical, economic and non‑technical comparison of alternatives during planning. It is intended as a planning guide rather than a detailed design standard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Transmission planners, utilities, consultants, equipment vendors, project developers and regulatory bodies use this report during feasibility studies and early‑stage planning of HVDC projects that consider LCC technology.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2020 report was published on 21 April 2020. It has been superseded by the consolidated IEC TR 63179:2026 (titled "Planning of HVDC systems"), which updates and broadens planning guidance (including LCC and VSC topics). For the most current planning guidance, consult IEC TR 63179:2026.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the IEC TR 63179 series (particular to LCC HVDC in the 2020 report). The IEC subsequently issued IEC TR 63179:2026 covering planning of HVDC systems in a broader, consolidated form.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HVDC, LCC, line‑commutated converter, transmission planning, converter selection, rated voltage, overloads, circuit topology, expandability, techno‑economic assessment.