
What is the difference between High-Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission?
2025-08-10HVAC and HVDC are two methods for transmitting large amounts of electrical power over long distances. While both are critical to the modern grid, they have distinct applications and characteristics.
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HVAC (Alternating Current): This is the most common form of power transmission. AC power lines are widely used because voltage can be easily stepped up or down using transformers, making it highly compatible with existing infrastructure. However, HVAC transmission experiences reactive power losses and is limited in distance due to the electrical characteristics of the lines, such as capacitance and inductance.
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HVDC (Direct Current): HVDC transmission carries electricity in a single direction, which makes it ideal for very long distances (over 300 km) and submarine cables. It is more efficient than HVAC over these distances because it has lower power losses and does not experience the same reactive power issues. HVDC is also used to connect different electrical grids that are not synchronized, but it requires expensive converter stations at each end of the line.
At Ningbo Changshi, we provide a full range of equipment and tools for the construction and maintenance of both HVAC and HVDC transmission lines, ensuring you have the right solutions for any project.