HVDC

[louisIV]

I was curious to hear about HVDC transmission today. Being just a lowly student of the sparky art, I'd been under the impression that AC was the solution to efficient electricity transmission over distance.

Now I hear that there's a 400kV tranmission line under the English Channel. (And other places too). Does anyone know how that works?

LIV

 

[Manator]

The power industry term FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) covers a number of technologies that enhance the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems. FACTS solutions enable power grid owners to increase existing transmission network capacity while maintaining or improving the operating margins necessary for grid stability. As a result, more power can reach consumers with a minimum impact on the environment, after substantially shorter project implementation times, and at lower investment costs - all compared to the alternative of building new transmission lines or power generation facilities.

Taken from the ABB website on Flexible AC Tramsmission systems

http://www.abb.co.uk/industries/us/9AAC30100023.aspx

Channel tunnel case study

http://www.abb.com/cawp/gad02181/079e331d17efaac2c125766a00458146.aspx

 

[Blue Duck]

These guys plan to use HVDC to transmit electricity from renewable souces.

http://www.desertec.org/en/concept/