Ecmweb 3769 603ecmmwpic1
Ecmweb 3769 603ecmmwpic1
Ecmweb 3769 603ecmmwpic1
Ecmweb 3769 603ecmmwpic1
Ecmweb 3769 603ecmmwpic1

Picture This

Feb. 1, 2006
What it's not: Stacks of frozen jellyfish. What it is: A HVDC valve including two stacks of serially connected insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), used for converting DC voltage to AC voltage or vice versa using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology. The valves are a component of HVDC Light technology, developed by ABB, and are designed to transmit electric power long distances underground

What it's not: Stacks of frozen jellyfish.

What it is: A HVDC valve including two stacks of serially connected insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), used for converting DC voltage to AC voltage or vice versa using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology. The valves are a component of HVDC Light technology, developed by ABB, and are designed to transmit electric power long distances underground or under the sea. Voltage source converters change the signal from AC to DC voltage to transmit and then back to AC voltage for output. The metal rings seen in this photo are cooling elements for the stacks of circuitry.

According to ABB, HVDC Light systems can handle power transmission of 50 MW to 1,000 MW. Its voltage source converters — purportedly 25% smaller than conventional HVDC converters — are designed to block cascading trips that occur in AC systems and reduce downtime after outages with their “black start” capability. Thankfully, no jellyfish were harmed for the purpose of this photograph.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.