Main Issues Regarding HVDC Overhead Transmission Lines Insulation Coordination: VSC Technology and Dedicated Metallic Return

Despite the insulation coordination in HVDC overhead transmission lines being relatively consolidated, new technologies and new components are used to face environment restrictions, to enhance better power system performance in pursuit of the never-ending search for economic optimization. Keeping this trilemma in mind, VSC (Voltage Source Converters) technology, the usage of the Dedicated Metallic Return (DMR) and the optimization of tower geometry are presently the main issues under discussion in HVDC systems.