BASSLINK HVDC Victoria / Tasmania

The aim of this project was to connect the AC networks of Victoria and Tasmania. The interconnector is a submarine high voltage cable running from Tasmania to the Australian mainland.

The protocol conversion software was installed on hardware supplied by Siemens. Conversion is from the proprietary Siemens Simatic TDC protocol to DNP 3.0. Communication between the protocol converter and the redundant substation automation system runs via a redundant LAN. Control stations are connected via 2 independent RS232 lines.
The converter clock is synchronized with SNTP.

An ISDN router coupled to a separate LAN enables remote access to the converter.

Background

The Basslink project was set up to ensure a reliable stable supply of energy in Tasmania, Victoria and the Southern states throughout the year.

An undersea high energy cable, put down especially for this project, will run 280 km from Tasmania to the Australian main land to transport electricity. Tasmania will supply renewable energy during peak times to Victoria, while during the prolonged hot season, when reservoirs are low, Tasmania can refill its base load from the Australian power system, thus ensuring the country's energy supply.

Siemens, the consortium manager, supplies and installs the complete HVDC technology, including static converter valves, static converter transformers, smoothing chokes, high voltage switching systems as well as telecommunications, instrumentation and control.
The project budget totals more than EUR 300 million.

The high voltage direct current line stretching over 360 km between Georgetown in Tasmania and Loy Yang, Victoria will transmit 500 MW at a direct current of 400 KV. Operation will start at the end of 2005.

For further information please go to: http://www.basslink.com.au