Selection of Optimal HVDC Termination Points in HVAC Networks for Renewable Energy Transmission Using an Integrated Delphi-TOPSIS-AHP Approach

The increasing deployment of renewable energy resources in geographically remote locations has accelerated the need for efficient long-distance power transmission solutions. High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology is widely recognized as a preferred option for transmitting large quantities of electrical power over long distances compared to conventional high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) systems. However, determining the most suitable HVDC termination point within an interconnected HVAC network remains a complex planning problem due to the presence of multiple feasible termination locations and competing selection criteria. To address this challenge, this paper presents a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methodology for the evaluation and ranking of potential HVDC termination points. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to derive the weights of the evaluation criteria, while the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is employed to assess and rank the candidate alternatives. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study involving the transmission of renewable energy from a remote generation source to a distant load center. The findings indicate that the AHP-TOPSIS framework is capable of effectively distinguishing among competing alternatives and identifying the most suitable HVDC termination point. The proposed approach provides a robust, transparent, and practical decision-support tool for power system planners involved in renewable energy integration and transmission network expansion planning.