scope:

This document promotes the concepts of reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) as applicable to the design, operation, and specification of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations.

Purpose

The purpose of this guide is to help improve the reliability of HVDC converter stations through prudent application of RAM concepts to all phases of HVDC projects.

More specifically, this guide intends to provide help in the following areas:

a) Improving HVDC RAM for converter stations already in service.

b) Calculating and comparing RAM of different converter station designs.

c) Calculating and reducing RAM costs of HVDC converter stations.

d) Reducing spare parts requirements of HVDC converter stations.

e) Improving HVDC converter specifications.

Toward these ends, this guide introduces basic RAM theory and calculations; provides guidelines on design, operation, and performance monitoring; and offers considerations for RAM specifications of HVDC converter stations.