The HVDC light technology has been designed to control the power flow between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan as well as to provide dynamic voltage support to increase regional grid reliability.
Additionally, the technology will allow integration of additional wind generation.
ABB Power Systems division’s grid systems business head Hans-Peter Faessler said: "The Mackinac station is the world’s first HVDC back-to-back system for transmission using voltage source converter technology.
"This is a milestone demonstrating how ABB can help customers achieve efficient grid control and stabilization.
The 200MW back-to-back HVDC light station features two HVDC converters connected directly to each other, eliminating the need for DC transmission line, in turn enabling it to fully control the power transfer through the connection.
The voltage and reactive power control features of the system allows the integration of additional wind energy and network stabilization while ‘black-start’ capability enables fast network restoration by using power from the other end of the system in case of a power outage.
Image: Alstom commissions HVDC light system to facilitate power flow control in Michigan. Photo: courtesy of ABB.
