Global | October 29, 2024

Decades of Technological Advancements in the Power Grid

As we look to the future, it's clear that VSC-HVDC technology will continue to play a major role in the power grid.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

The power grid has undergone significant technological advancements over the past few decades. From the introduction of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology to the development of voltage source converter (VSC) HVDC systems, these innovations have transformed the way we transmit and distribute electricity.

HVDC Technology

HVDC technology was first introduced in the 1970s and has since become a major player in the power grid. It allows for the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances, making it possible to connect different power grids and move power between them. One notable example is the Segall converter station, which was the first permanent tie between the eastern and western power grids in the United States.

VSC-HVDC Technology

VSC-HVDC technology debuted in the late 1990s and has since redefined the way we move large blocks of power across extreme distances. It is exceptionally flexible and can utilize overhead conductors, underground cables, or submarine cables, making it possible to deliver power anywhere it’s needed. The European Union is currently developing a VSC-HVDC mesh-grid with multiterminal point-to-point delivery hubs, which will connect all of the EU’s VSC-HVDC superhighways and transport wind and solar power to load centers across the entire EU.

Future Developments

Next-generation VSC-HVDC technologies are currently under development, and it’s likely that they will continue to transform the way we transmit and distribute electricity. Some potential applications include power corridors, multi-functional artificial energy islands, and mesh-grids.

Source: T&D World