Down-to-Earth Theory: Ultra High Voltage DC

Dec. 12, 2017

Voltage levels are increasing in the DC world to carry more power farther distances.

There has been a lot of advancements in Ultra High Voltage DC (UHVDC) lately. Originally this voltage level started out at 800 kV, but it continues to advance. Our video for November discussed HVDC transmission. Recently we saw a story about the world’s first ±1,100 kV UHVDC transformer passing its testing in Nuremberg, Germany. I have been extremely fortunate in my travels as a utility engineer. I have been in the Nuremberg testing area, but it has been many years. I can remember the size of the equipment and excitement whenever equipment was being tested. All of this is pointing to the fact voltage levels are increasing in the DC world to carry more power farther distances.

So, I thought it was timely to focus this column on a little more information for UHVDC. Several years ago, China became the first country to install 800 kV UHVDC. Today we are seeing the voltage level increase again. Here is this month’s video on UHVDC.

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.