INTRODUCTION

The development of HVDC (High Voltage Direct

Current) transmission system dates back to the
1930s when mercury arc rectifiers were invented.
Since the 1960s, HVDC transmission system is now
a mature technology and has played a vital part in
both long distance transmission and in the
interconnection of systems.
Transmitting power at high voltage and in DC form
instead of AC is a new technology proven to be
economic and simple in operation which is HVDC
transmission. HVDC transmission systems, when
installed, often form the backbone of an electric
power system. They combine high reliability with a
long useful life. An HVDC link avoids some of the
disadvantages and limitations of AC transmission.
HVDC transmission refers to that the AC power
generated at a power plant is transformed into DC
power before its transmission. At the inverter
(receiving side), it is then transformed back into its
original AC power and then supplied to each
household. Such power transmission method
makes it possible to transmit electric power in an
economic way.
A further development in this technology is HVDC
light where HVDC light converters are used for
faster and efficient conversion of power.

HVDC Light is a fundamentally new power

transmission technology developed recently. It is
particularly suitable for medium to small-scale
power transmission applications. This new
transmission and distribution technology, HVDC
Light provides an important role to today’s
requirements on our network systems and opens
up new opportunities for both investors and
environmentalist alike.

EVOLUTION OF HVDC LIGHT

TECHNOLOGY
The reforms that have or are being introduced in
the electricity sector in many countries have
radically changed the business environment of the
electricity supply industry.
Recent development efforts in transmission
technology have focused on compact, small weight
and cost-effective, so-called voltage source
converters (VSC ).
By combining the advances made in VSC and DC
cables, a new breed of electricity transmission and
distribution technology emerges: The "HVDC Light"
technology.
Transmission of electricity over long distances
using underground DC cables is both economical
and technically advantageous.
Laying an underground cable is an easier process
than building an overhead line.
HVDC light technology is also known as “The
invisible power transmission” since it is based on
underground cables.
Possible application fields include the feeding of
distant loads and the connection of distant
generation plants.
In Australia, at Direct Link and Murray link, we have
two such examples where HVDC Light technology
with underground DC-cables has been
implemented in a competitive, market-oriented
network service.

ADVANTAGES

 Once it's installed the cable route can be replanted with Native
vegetation.
 Reduced environmental impact.
 Underground cables rarely meet with public opposition and
often receive political support.
 The system reliability is enhanced with reduced risk of
damage from natural causes such as storms, wind, earthquakes
and fire. You simply bury it and forget it.
Operation and maintenance costs of the transmission easement
are virtually eliminated.
 The width of the corridor to install the underground cable can
be as narrow as 4 metres, which will give greater flexibility
with the selection of a transmission route.

APPLICATIONS

 Connection to a wind farm.

 Connection of small dispersed electricity generators to a grid.
 Delivery of electricity to islands.
 Feeding electric power to large and rapidly growing cities.
 Feeding of electric power to remotely located loads.