This FOA seeks to address the significant cost of HVDC systems for transmission applications. Applications submitted for this FOA aim to kickstart DOE’s HVDC cost reduction effort as described below.
The research and development (R&D) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will invest in R&D to support continued innovation and cost reduction for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) voltage-source converter (VSC) transmission systems. This investment is intended to enable future grid upgrades required to integrate increasing renewable energy generation on to the grid, both onshore and offshore.
Topic Area Description (see FOA for details)
There are two main categories of HVDC converters: line-commutated converters (LCC) and voltage-source converters (VSC).
LCC technology is mature with a rich technical history. It has been enabled by thyristor switches since the 1960s13 and is utilized when high power capacity is required. LCCs require a connection to an inertia-strong, existing alternating current (AC) grid to operate effectively and, thus, do not exhibit grid-forming capabilities.
Technologies with grid-forming capabilities can control important characteristics of the grid such as voltage and frequency. They can also effectively kick start electricity flow from generating sources during a black out (also known as black start).14 As the grid transitions away from a reliance on the inertia of rotating machines, the grid strength is reduced and grid forming capabilities are necessary for the effective operation of the grid.
VSCs were developed approximately 30 years after the first thyristor-enabled LCC.15 They are enabled by Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and can turn on and off through converter controls, meaning that they exhibit black start and other grid-forming capabilities. VSCs are also the preferred choice to establish a multi-terminal HVDC (MTDC) system, given that current can more easily flow in both directions in a VSC HVDC system. MTDC networks are critical to create efficient and reliable networks for onshore and offshore energy transmission. Hence, this funding opportunity will focus on innovative, cost-reduction solutions for VSC systems.
Interested applicants should upload the following documents in sequence in one PDF file (File name: [Last name]_DOE-FOA-0003141_2023) no later than 4:00 p.m. on the internal submission deadline:
1. Cover Letter (1 page, pdf):
- Descriptive title of proposed activity
- PI name, departmental affiliations(s) and contact information
- Co-PI's names and departmental affiliation(s)
- Names of other key personnel
- Participating institution(s)
- Number and title of this funding opportunity
2. Technology Description (no more than three pages, pdf)
- Applicants are required to describe succinctly:
- The proposed technology, including its basic operating principles and how it is unique and innovative as compared to the current state of the art technology;
- The proposed technology’s target level of performance and those target’s relate to this FOA’s goals (applicants should provide technical data or other support to show how the proposed target could be met);
- The current state of the art in the relevant field and application, including key shortcomings, limitations, and challenges;
- How the proposed technology will overcome the shortcomings, limitations, and challenges in the relevant field and application;
- The potential impact that the proposed project would have on the relevant field and application;
- How the proposed location of the proposed project will support technology development and long-term success;
- The key technical risks/issues associated with the proposed technology development plan; and
- The impact that EERE funding would have on the proposed project.
4. 3-page CV's of Investigators
Formatting Guidelines:
Font/size: Times New Roman (12 pt.)
Document margins: 1.0” (top, bottom, left and right)
Standard paper size (8 ½” x 11)
Questions concerning the limited submissions process may be submitted to limitedsubs@psu.edu.