Transmit the light fantastic

The application of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bulk electric power transmission technology to provide high transmission efficiency in China over very long distances is discussed. Overhead lines and cables on HVDC transmission networks are cheaper than those on AC systems with similar capacities. The modern day long distance HVDC bulk power grid systems not only provide high transmission efficiency with infeeds to urban AC grids, but modern 'back-to-back' converter technology allows regional and national asynchronous AC grid networks to be interconnected. ABB has played a key role in the transport of power in China from the Three-Gorges hydro plant, with long-distance HVDC links including the initial Gezhouba-Shanghai link as well as the Three Gorges-Changzhou and Three Gorges-Guangdong links.