DC breaker innovation 'solves 100-year-old electrical puzzle'

Development could pave the way for a more efficient and reliable electricity supply system

An automation technology group has announced a breakthrough in the ability to interrupt direct current.

After years of research, ABB has developed what it says is the world’s first circuit breaker for high-voltage direct current (HVDC).

The circuit breaker 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 5 milliseconds – 30 times faster than the blink of a human eye.

The company said the breakthrough could remove a 100-year-old barrier to the development of DC transmission grids, and enable the efficient integration and exchange of renewable energy.

DC grids could 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.

Joe Hogan, chief executive of ABB, said: “This historical breakthrough will make it possible to build the grid of the future. Overlay DC grids will be able to interconnect countries and continents, balance loads and reinforce the existing AC transmission networks.”

HVDC technology is needed to facilitate the long-distance transfer of power from hydro-electric plants, to integrate offshore wind power, develop visionary solar projects, and interconnect different power networks.

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 optimise the network.

ABB is working on the construction of multi-terminal systems, and the latest DC breaker innovation could prove a big step in the evolution of HVDC grids.