The latest technology will help in carrying electricity over long distances, making desert solar plants and ocean wind farms much more viable.
The new circuit breaker combines fast mechanics with power electronics. It could also ‘interrupt’ power flows equivalent to the output of a large power plant within five milliseconds.
Switzerland-based ABB, which is in talks with power utilities to identify pilot projects for the new development, said the breakthrough removes a 100-year-old barrier to the development of DC transmission grids.
ABB chief executive Joe Hogan 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."
With over 70 HVDC projects, the engineering firm accounts for nearly half the worldwide installed base, representing over 60,000MW of installed capacity.
