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

Hybrid circuit breaker switches in 5 msec

By Paul Dvorak | November 9, 2012

High voltage dc is making comeback in the transmission sector.

A circuit breaker for high voltage direct current combines 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 — 1/30th of a human-eye blink. The breakthrough removes a 100-year-old barrier to the development of direct current transmission grids, which will enable the efficient integration and exchange of renewable energy.

Dc grids will also improve grid reliability and enhance the capability of existing ac (alternating current) networks. ABB is in discussions with power utilities to identify pilot projects for the new development.

The Hybrid HVDC breaker development has been a research project for ABB, which invests over $1 billion annually in R&D activities. HVDC technology is needed to facilitate several long distance transmission requirements such as the transfer of power from hydropower plants, the integration of offshore wind power, development of visionary solar projects, and the interconnection of different power networks.

ABB
www.abb.com


Filed Under: News
Tagged With: ABB, hybrid circuit breaker
 

About The Author

Paul Dvorak

Related Articles Read More >

US government allows Empire Wind offshore project to resume construction
Richardson Electronics to deliver pitch energy modules to TransAlta wind fleets
Equinor halts work on Empire Wind offshore project after federal government order
ARESCA wants input on offshore wind standards

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