Voltage and Current Stresses on HVDC Valves

Abstract

The important considerations that lead to a specific HVDC valve design for a given application are often not well appreciated. In this paper, voltage and current stresses on HVDC valves are discussed in the context of their importance in relation to the capabilities and limitations of modern power thyristors. It is concluded that a better understanding of the stresses and their implications on valve design will lead to improved specification, design and testing of valves for HVDC.