Converting existing transmission corridors to HVDC is an overlooked option for increasing transmission capacity.

ABSTRACT: A changing generation mix and growing demand for carbon-free electricity will almost certainly require dramatic changes in the infrastructure and topology of the electricity system. Rather than build new lines, one way to minimize social opposition and regulatory obstacles is to increase the capacity of existing transmission corridors. In addition to upgrading the capacity of high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) lines, we identify a number of situations in which conversion from HVAC to high-voltage direct current (HVDC) is the least-cost strategy to increase the capacity of the corridor. If restricted to the existing right-of-way (ROW), we find DC conversion to be the least-cost, and in some cases the only, option for distances of >200 km or for increases of >50% capacity. Across all co

SUBMITTER: Reed L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6628792 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature