HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) and HVDC Light are highly efficient alternatives for transmitting bulk power and for special purpose applications
ABB pioneered HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) with the first commercial project in 1954. Also for power transmission schemes based on VSC (Voltage Source Converter), a technology that will be vital for the deployment of offshore wind and the European Super Grid, ABB was also the pioneer of this technology and is the manufacturer with 14 years real experience having the most VSC based HVDC transmission links in operation.
Since the first scheme was commissioned in 1997, HVDC Light technology has evolved through three generations. It has now reached its fourth evolutionary stage – Generation 4 (G4) – based on CTL (Cascaded Two Level) topology.
HVDC Light G4 offers two main advantages in comparison with previous generations:
- low converter losses (1% compared with 3% in the first generation)
- low harmonic generation that eliminates the need for AC filters
The multi-terminal capability of HVDC Light offers exciting possibilities to create offshore DC grids that will play a key role in the successful exploitation of wind power resources.
Read about the basics of transmitting power by HVDC and HVDC Light here