Siemens is launching what it calls ‘full bridge technology’ for new generation HVDC converter stations that allows work to carry on during faults.
The company said the technology makes it possible to resolve faults in DC sections of the converter quickly and with flexibility without having to turn the system off. At the same time, the AC grid is stabilized.
“The new technology allows faults on an overhead DC line to be resolved within the converter, which keeps the fault and its repercussions to a minimum,” Siemens said.
It added that another advantage of the full bridge is the ‘black start capability’, which refers to the ability to supply a part of the grid with electricity again following a power failure.
Siemens energy management division chief executive officer Jan Mrosik said: ” The full bridge technology resolves faults extremely quickly and can reliably prevent grid faults from spreading to a blackout.”
Siemens also announced that it is increasing its research and development budget by €300m during fiscal 2016 to €4.8bn.
Most of the increase will be for automation, digitalization and decentralized energy systems.
Image: Baixas converter station (Siemens)
