Understanding HVDC Transmission: Efficiency, Advantages, and Applications
HVDC is highly efficient for long-distance transmission because it minimizes power losses compared to AC, especially when the distance exceeds 600 kilometers. It is also the preferred solution for undersea and underground power transmission where AC systems are impractical due to technical and economic limitations. By enabling the interconnection of asynchronous power grids, HVDC plays a crucial role in stabilizing power systems and balancing load requirements between regions.
The advantages of HVDC transmission are numerous. It allows the transmission of bulk power across vast distances with lower losses, provides grid stability, reduces the risk of cascading failures, and requires narrower transmission corridors compared to AC lines. It also enables the seamless integration of renewable energy sources located in remote areas, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient power supply. Additionally, HVDC systems are environmentally favorable because they use fewer conductors and require less physical infrastructure.