With the expansion of HV DC transmission throughout the world, and the increasing numbers of international interconnections, few power systems can continue to escape the effect of this technology in their planning and operation. The primary subject of this book is the incorporation of AC-DC converters and DC transmission in power system analysis. However, the concepts and methods described are also applicable to the FACTS (flexible AC transmission systems) technology.

Since the first edition of this book in 1983, HVDC technology has continued to expand and few power systems can now escape its influence. This thoroughly revised text develops the coverage in the first edition, describing the variety of reasons justifying the use of DC transmission as well as the basic concepts and techniques involved in the AC-DC and DC-AC conversion processes. It has been fully updated and enlarged to include descriptions of the widening applications of DC, the current state-of-the-art thyristors and other semiconductor devices, and the new developments that continue to make HVDC a competitive technology.

Accurate knowledge of electromagnetic power system transients is crucial to the operation of an economic, efficient and environmentally friendly power systems network without compromising on the reliability and quality of electrical power supply. Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation has therefore become a universal tool for the analysis of power system electromagnetic transients in the range of nanoseconds to seconds, and is the backbone for the design and planning of power systems, as well as for the investigation of problems.

Accurate knowledge of electromagnetic power system transients is crucial to the operation of an economic, efficient and environmentally-friendly power system network, without compromising on the reliability and quality of the electrical power supply. Simulation has become a universal tool for the analysis of power system electromagnetic transients and yet is rarely covered in-depth in undergraduate programmes. It is likely to become core material in future courses.