Building Blocks of a Super Grid

March 29, 2018

One of the key points in the endeavor to build a mega grid is the development of Ultra High Voltage DC

All of the recent discussions about the proposed mega grid got me thinking about what it takes to make it happen. It is made up of many building blocks that are available today. They include power electronics in the form of dc converter stations and FACTS devices. It also consists of components such as dc hybrid breakers, marine cables, and HVDC transmission systems. These devices have been around for many years, but today we are thinking about utilizing them in an integrated system. The idea is to form a super grid composed of ac and dc components that are being combined to move power safely and efficiently.

One of the key points in this endeavor is the development of Ultra High Voltage DC (UHV DC). UHL DC has been around since about 2009. The voltage rating is ±800. The first ±1100 kV UHV DC was announced by ABB for a project in China. Transmission lines of these voltages can carry tremendous amounts of power over extremely long distances with less losses than an ac line at lower costs. Here is a video that gives a good overview of this technology and how it is being used.

About the Author

Gene Wolf

Gene Wolf has been designing and building substations and other high technology facilities for over 32 years. He received his BSEE from Wichita State University. He received his MSEE from New Mexico State University. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of California and New Mexico. He started his career as a substation engineer for Kansas Gas and Electric, retired as the Principal Engineer of Stations for Public Service Company of New Mexico recently, and founded Lone Wolf Engineering, LLC an engineering consulting company.

Gene is widely recognized as a technical leader in the electric power industry. Gene is a fellow of the IEEE. He is the former Chairman of the IEEE PES T&D Committee. He has held the position of the Chairman of the HVDC & FACTS Subcommittee and membership in many T&D working groups. Gene is also active in renewable energy. He sponsored the formation of the “Integration of Renewable Energy into the Transmission & Distribution Grids” subcommittee and the “Intelligent Grid Transmission and Distribution” subcommittee within the Transmission and Distribution committee.