Windpower Engineering & Development

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Most recent posts
    • News
    • Featured
  • Resources
    • Digital issues
    • Podcasts
    • Suppliers
    • Webinars
    • Events
  • Videos
  • 2025 Leadership
    • 2024 Winners
    • 2023 Winners
    • 2022 Winners
  • Magazine
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

GE supports power grids of the future with Europe’s First MVDC link

By Paul Dvorak | May 17, 2017

GE Energy Connections will deliver Europe’s first Medium-Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) link as part of Scottish Power Energy Network’s Angle-dc project in Anglesey and North Wales. The technology will be a critical project asset. The Angle-DC project aims to demonstrate a novel network reinforcement technique by converting an existing 33-kilovolt (kV) ac circuit to dc operation.

GE’s Power Conversion ac-to-dc converters will be located at a 33-kV substation in Bangor and at a similar substation on the Isle of Anglesey.

As the electricity demands in the region increase, uncontrolled power flows are putting the system at risk by exceeding thermal limits of the cables and overhead lines. The MVDC link will enable improved power flow and voltage control. Converting ac assets to dc operation will also enhance the thermal capability of the circuit.

Kevin Smith, Future Networks Lead Engineer at Scottish Power Energy Networks, said, “As electricity demand and the connection of renewable generation continues to grow, the existing network infrastructure struggles to cope and additional reinforcement becomes necessary. The Angle-DC project, being the first of its kind, will hopefully demonstrate that using MVDC on existing assets can be a more innovative alternative to simply building more substations along with the connecting underground cables and overhead lines. We are pleased to have engaged with GE who are playing a key part in the successful delivery of this important MVDC trial project”.

GE’s Power Conversion ac-to-dc converters will be located at a 33-kV substation in Bangor and at a similar substation on the Isle of Anglesey. The 12 units of MV7000 converters at each substation will convert 33 kVac to ±27kVdc using the existing ac lines between the two substations.

GE will also be including VISOR 2.0*, an asset management tool that provides remote connectivity to improve service responsiveness, and Data Historian, a data management software that allows data collection, processing, and storage, as part of the installation. This ability to capture and analyze data will allow SP Energy Networks to review the capabilities of the MVDC system and gather insights to develop optimum control algorithms for the distribution system.

“GE has extensive experience in energy transmission technology and proven track records including electrifying the central European railways. We are excited to be involved, applying our technology know-how based on our previous experience, at a time when many countries are considering how to future-proof their existing infrastructure without significant upheaval,” Said Matt Cunningham, sales director, GE’s Power Conversion.


Filed Under: Uncategorized
Tagged With: GE energy connections
 

About The Author

Paul Dvorak

Related Articles Read More >

DTE Energy to buy three new Michigan wind farms
Connecticut seeking input on draft solicitation for offshore wind
Maine establishes three new renewable energy laws
US Wind applauds extension of offshore wind tax credit

Podcasts

Wind Spotlight: Looking back at a year of Thrive with ZF Wind Power
See More >

Windpower Engineering & Development Digital Edition

Digital Edition

Browse the most current issue of Windpower Engineering & Development and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading wind power engineering magazine today.

Windpower Engineering & Development
  • Wind Articles
  • Solar Power World
  • Subscribe to Windpower Engineering
  • About Us/Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising

Search Windpower Engineering & Development

  • Home
  • Articles
    • Most recent posts
    • News
    • Featured
  • Resources
    • Digital issues
    • Podcasts
    • Suppliers
    • Webinars
    • Events
  • Videos
  • 2025 Leadership
    • 2024 Winners
    • 2023 Winners
    • 2022 Winners
  • Magazine
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe