What is high voltage direct current?

           A high voltage direct current (HVDC) is a transmission system that uses direct current for transmission of electric power in large quantities. Or, in other words, it is a technology used to transmit electricity over long distances. HVDC is also called a power super highway, or electrical super highway.

          We have seen that alternating current is preferred to direct current for various reasons, including financial. To address this, as well as other difficulties, HVDC can be used, as they are less expensive and suffer lower electrical losses.

          In this technology, electricity is transmitted through overhead transmission lines, or submarine cables. According to experts, the advantages of HVDC include lower investment cost, long distance water crossing, controllability, lower losses etc. It also causes lower environmental impact compared to AC.

            It was in 1882 that the first long distance transmission of electric power was demonstrated using direct current, in Germany. In the 1930s, the technology was further developed in Sweden and Germany. The modern form of HVDC also uses this technology.

            The Rio Madeira link in Brazil is the longest HVDC link in the world. The length of this link is 2385 kilometres.