3 ms·
At what point does HVDC start to make sense? IGBTs have only gotten better and cheaper since I first read about HVDC, so it seems like the fixed conversion cos
by aidenn0 2y ago
At what point does HVDC start to make sense? IGBTs have only gotten better and cheaper since I first read about HVDC, so it seems like the fixed conversion costs ought to have come way down.
- pyrale 2y agoHVDC is needed when you build between two non-synchronous areas like France and UK. Also if you don't have the option to build pylons and need to go underground/underseas, AC lines will suffer from capacitive load. the longer the line gets, the more capacitive load will be present, and so you can't build very long underground/underseas AC lines. Since HVDC has significant fixed costs, it's not relevant for shorter lines.
- algo_trader 2y agoAre DC costs more manageable at medium voltages? If i really wanted 11kV MVDC is this a feasible spec for an industrial site?
- pyrale 2y agoHonestly I don't have that much knowledge in industrial sites, but from what I understand, many industries are interested in directly getting triphased because that's what turning machines need in the end. I guess if you need 11KV DC for your industrial site, you're likely going to need a transformer anyway, because nobody transports at such a low voltage. As for medium voltage in general, U=RI. The reason TSOs try to push voltage as high as possible is because that reduces costly power losses, as well as cable temperature, which means you can transit more power without endangering the line and people around.