VSC-HVDC converter valves (IGBT 4.5 kV / 5 kA, IGCT 6.5 kV), low-frequency transmission valves and MDC converters
The manufacturer develops and produces converter valves for voltage source converter DC transmission (VSC-HVDC) up to ±800 kV and 8 GW. The range includes IGBT and IGCT valves, modular multilevel matrix converter valves for low-frequency transmission and MDC converters. The equipment is used on trunk transmission lines, offshore wind power export and interconnections between systems.
- ±800 kV / 5000 MW
- industry's first ±800 kV VSC valve for overhead lines, Kunliulong project (2020)
- ±800 kV / 8 GW
- IGBT 4500 V / 5000 A, 400 kV and 2000 MW per valve, arm current 3800 A, submodule 2000 V, 24 mF
- IGBT 4.5 kV / 2 kA
- submodule 2100 V, 1237 A, turn-off 3050 V / 4000 A
- IGCT 6.5 kV
- submodule 3000 V (30% higher than IGBT), current >1422 A
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
The manufacturer created the industry's first ±800 kV / 5000 MW VSC valve for overhead lines. It clears DC-side faults on its own with restart, operates at reduced voltage and switches valve groups without stopping the transmission. With this valve the voltage class of VSC transmission rose from ±500 to ±800 kV and the power from 1 to 5 GW. It was put into operation on 27 December 2020 on the Kunliulong transmission of China Southern Power Grid.
The high-energy valve on a 4.5 kV / 5 kA IGBT in a press-pack housing was the first to use such devices and is designed for ±800 kV / 8 GW transmission with series-connected high- and low-voltage groups. Each valve operates at 400 kV and 2000 MW, and the RMS arm current is 3800 A. The rated submodule voltage is 2000 V, and the 24 mF capacitance is made up of 3 parallel capacitors of 8 mF each. The arm contains 210 modules, of which 10 are redundant. The development passed appraisal by the China Machinery Industry Federation in 2024. The new-generation valve on an in-house 4.5 kV / 2 kA IGBT has a 2100 V submodule, a current of 1237 A, turns off 3050 V / 4000 A and is comparable in characteristics to imported ones.
The 6.5 kV IGCT valve with separate control was developed together with partners. The submodule voltage is 3000 V, 30% higher than with IGBT, so at high power the valve is lighter and cheaper, and dependence on imported IGBTs is lower. Together with the Electric Power Research Institute of China Southern Power Grid, the first self-energy-balancing valve was created, which dissipates excess energy after faults. Its submodule has 2203 V and 1345 A and turns off 3200 V / 4000 A.
For low-frequency AC transmission, an M3C modular multilevel matrix converter valve of 304 MVA at 20 Hz is produced, with 64 submodules per arm, 2.1 kV and 14 mF. It operates at the Yuhuan-2 offshore wind farm. Such a transmission needs no offshore converter stations and reduces the charging power of cables. For the Zhangbei test base, the manufacturer supplied a containerised low-frequency valve of 3 MVA. The modular IGCT-based MDC converter (50 MW, ±15 kV, 1667 A) contains 25% fewer semiconductors and 75–80% fewer capacitors than an MMC, and losses and cost are reduced by more than 30%.
Technical specifications
| ±800 kV / 5000 MW | industry's first ±800 kV VSC valve for overhead lines, Kunliulong project (2020) |
|---|---|
| ±800 kV / 8 GW | IGBT 4500 V / 5000 A, 400 kV and 2000 MW per valve, arm current 3800 A, submodule 2000 V, 24 mF |
| IGBT 4.5 kV / 2 kA | submodule 2100 V, 1237 A, turn-off 3050 V / 4000 A |
| IGCT 6.5 kV | submodule 3000 V (30% higher than IGBT), current >1422 A |
| Self-balancing valve | submodule 2203 V, 1345 A, turn-off 3200 V / 4000 A |
| Low-frequency M3C | 304 MVA, 20 Hz, 64 submodules per arm, 2.1 kV, 14 mF (Yuhuan-2) |
| MDC | 50 MW, ±15 kV DC, 1667 A; −25% semiconductors, −80% capacitors |
| Appraisal | China Machinery Industry Federation (2024) |
Request a price and lead time
VSC-HVDC converter valves (IGBT 4.5 kV / 5 kA, IGCT 6.5 kV), low-frequency transmission valves and MDC converters. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Customs codes
| UKTZED (Ukraine) | 8504 40 90 00 |
|---|---|
| HS, 6 digits | 8504 40 |
| CN (EU) | 8504 40 90 |
| HTSUS (USA) | 8504 40 95 80 |
| China customs tariff | 8504 40 99 99 |
Codes are for reference: the final code is determined at declaration for the specific model.
Questions and answers
What power does the valve on a 4.5 kV / 5 kA IGBT have?
The valve is designed for ±800 kV and 8 GW transmission, and each valve operates at 400 kV and 2000 MW. The RMS arm current is 3800 A.
Where is the low-frequency M3C valve used?
The 304 MVA, 20 Hz M3C valve operates at the Yuhuan-2 offshore wind farm. Such a transmission needs no offshore converter stations.
How does the MDC converter differ from an MMC?
The IGCT-based MDC contains 25% fewer semiconductors and 75–80% fewer capacitors. Losses and cost are reduced by more than 30%.
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