The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is now seeking approval for the LMIP, as reported by the Inquirer.
The Leyte Luzon link is a Current Sourced Converter (CSC) HVDC. This is the reason why reactive compensation is needed in its operation to support real power transfer and limitation of harmonics. When transmission lines are toppled in the Bicol region due to typhoons, the MW dispatch of the HVDC was curtailed due to the low short circuit capacity (SCC) in the area. Low SCC may result to commutation failure in the valves when voltage is weak on the AC system. This link also requires to operate between a minimum and a maximum MW bandwidth.
With the LMIP, I am guessing the technology of Voltage Sourced Converters (VSC) HVDC will be used. The side of Mindanao has been suffering with generation deficit thus will have low SCC and less reactive power support. VSC HVDC can be used in such case. Reactive power compensation is not required in VSC HVDC to transfer real power since it can operate independent of real and reactive power. Also, at high switching frequency for the VSC HVDC, less filtering or switchable harmonic filters are not needed. With this, if LMIP uses VSC HVDC, it can be utilized to start-up the Mindanao grid after a major outage or blackout since it can operate at low SCC or weak AC system. Another advantage is VSC HVDC can operate between 0% and 100% of rated active power in controllable in both directions without the need of DC voltage reversal since both Mindanao and Visayas need generation capacity to satisfy growth demand.
The Philippine power grids are one of the most advanced power systems in the South East Asian region having CSC HVDC, wind power and solar power integrated into the electric system. With the proposal of LMIP, new technology like VSC HVDC may find a way to connect and power the islands.
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