Electrical technology major ABB has successfully developed and tested an 1100 kV ultrahigh voltage direct current converter transformer. This breaks the record for the highest DC voltage levels ever, and will facilitate the transmission of power more efficiently over longer distances.
By way of comparison, the Xiangjiaba-Shanghai link, commissioned by ABB, was the world`s first commercial 800 kV UHVDC connection. It has a capacity of 6400 MW and covers a distance of just over 2000 km, making it the longest of its kind in operation. 1100 kV converter technology will make it possible, says ABB, to transmit more than 10 000 MW over distances as great as 3 000 km.
Development of the transformer encountered several technology challenges such as the sheer size and scale, electrical insulation, including bushings, and thermal performance parameters.
