Cary, N.C.: ABB, the global power and automation technology group, announced November 7 that it had developed the world's first circuit breaker for high voltage direct current (HVDC). The company says its discovery solves a 100-year-old electrical engineering puzzle and paves the way for a more efficient and reliable electricity supply system.
The innovation combines very fast mechanics with power electronics, and will be capable of interrupting power flows equivalent to the output of a large power station within five milliseconds – 30 times faster than the blink of a human eye.
ABB explains that HVDC technology is needed to facilitate the long distance transfer of power from hydropower plants, the integration of offshore wind power, the development of visionary solar projects, and the interconnection of different power networks. DC grids have the potential to improve grid reliability and enhance the capability of existing AC (alternating current) networks. With over 70 HVDC projects in operation, ABB accounts for around half the global installed base, representing an installed capacity of more than 60,000 megawatts (MW).
Deployment of HVDC has led to an increasing number of point-to-point connections in different parts of the world. The logical next step is to connect the lines and optimize the network, the company believes. ABB is already working on the construction of multi-terminal systems and the latest DC breaker innovation is a major step in the evolution of HVDC grids. In parallel to the new hybrid breaker development, ABB has an established HVDC grid simulation center developing solutions for future DC grid operations.
ABB is in discussions with power utilities to identify pilot projects for the new development.