High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems are vital to the transition to renewable energy, enabling efficient power transmission over long distances. However, maintaining grid stability and power quality, especially in offshore wind power, presents significant challenges.
Our capacitor films are a key component that helps optimize HVDC performance by improving voltage stability, reducing losses, and ensuring efficient energy conversion.
The growth of offshore wind
Offshore wind power has become a key source of renewable energy worldwide. By the end of 2023, global offshore wind capacity had reached 75 gigawatts (GW), making it a significant part of the world’s energy mix. China is leading the development with 129 operational offshore wind farms, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, and Vietnam.
The future outlook is even more promising and the forecast suggest that the offshore wind capacity will be booming by 2030.
This rapid growth is driving a high demand for efficient and reliable components, including capacitors used in HVDC systems, which are essential for energy transmission and maintaining grid stability in offshore wind projects.
The critical role of capacitors in HVDC systems
Capacitors play a fundamental role in optimizing HVDC performance in several key ways.
Filtering: HVDC converters generate harmonics, which can distort the voltage and current waveforms. Capacitors act as filters to smooth out these harmonics, improving power quality and reducing losses.
Reactive Power Compensation: HVDC systems require reactive power to maintain voltage stability. Capacitors can provide this reactive power, improving the system’s power factor and reducing the burden on the AC grid.
Voltage Support: Capacitors can help stabilize the DC voltage, especially during transients and disturbances. This ensures the reliable operation of the HVDC system and protects connected equipment.
Energy Storage: In some HVDC applications, capacitors can be used to store energy, providing short-term power support and improving grid stability.
Applications examples – Tervakoski Films capacitors in renewable energy systems
Film capacitors are the most common type of capacitors used in HVDC applications. They offer high energy density, long life, and good temperature stability. Polypropylene film capacitors are particularly well-suited for HVDC due to their low losses and high voltage capability.
Wind Power: Tervakoski Films HVDC film capacitors are used in wind turbines and offshore wind farms to smooth power output and improve grid stability.
Solar Power: Capacitor films are used in solar power plants to convert and stabilize the generated DC power for grid integration.
Hydropower: Tervakoski Films products have been used in large-scale hydropower projects, such as the Three Gorges Dam in China, to ensure reliable power transmission.
Tervakoski Film is a leading manufacturer of capacitor films, including those used in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) applications for renewable energy systems. Our capacitor films fill all the requirements to meet the long-term performance needs of HVDC systems. We also offer tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements of different HVDC applications.
The future of capacitors in renewable energy – HVDC capacitor technology trends
New capacitor technologies are continuously being developed by resesarchers. Increased energy density can reduce the size and weight of HVDC systems. Capacitors with better temperature stability can operate in a wider range of conditions, improving the reliability of HVDC systems.
The reliability of capacitors is being enhanced by developing new materials and designs to improve the reliability and lifespan of HVDC capacitors.
Tervakoski Film invests in continuous research and development to improve film technologies and meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector. This commitment to innovation ensures that our films remain at the forefront of HVDC capacitor technology.