HVDC MaxSineTM

A HVDC converter is used for the conversion of electrical power from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) or the other way round.It is also used to link different transmission networks or to access remote generating sources. HVDC converters can be of the traditional “line-commutated” (LCC) type or the newer “voltage source” (VSC) type. Following our success in the 1990s in developing a voltage source converter for reactive power applications (STATCOM technology) using GTO (Gate Turn Off Thyristor) devices, we now use Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) as the switching device for this new generation of VSC technology which can be used for both real power (HVDC) and reactive power (FACTS) applications.

Link to HVDC Solutions

: Submodule; Click thumbnail to see a larger image

Alstom Grid’s HVDC MaxSine^TM is the ideal solution for the following applications:
• Offshore wind farms where high platform costs demand a compact site area and the distance offshore is greater than 40 km.
• Underground cable transmission, when overhead lines may be prohibited
• Weak AC networks which cannot accept a LCC converter without significant additional equipment, such as a STATCOM or synchronous compensators
• Black-start of AC networks which have no indigenous power source
• Locations where site area is restricted, e.g. existing substations and metropolitan sites
• Cases where existing harmonic levels on the AC network are high and no additional loading, e.g. from a LCC station, can be accepted.

Alstom Grid VSC demonstrator

Alstom Grid has invested in a 25 MW VSC Demonstrator to enable the long-term testing and subsequent supply chain development for our initial VSC converter technology. The VSC Demonstrator offers customers and potential customers the opportunity to visit a real, functioning VSC facility to better understand the equipment, the technology and its advantage.