HVDC Mechanicville-Schenectady
Encyclopedia
HVDC Mechanicville–Schenectady was the first experimental HVDC transmission line in the United States
. Built in 1932, the circuit traversed 37 kilometres (23 mi) from Mechanicville, New York
to Schenectady, New York
.
The system used mercury arc rectifiers
at a voltage of 20,000 volts and a rated power of 5 MW. The facility was dismantled after World War II
.
was built. This system first used mercury arc valve
s, and then later ignitron
s, as the first power electronic devices used for HVDC transmission. The line was in service until 1945 and operated in constant current mode. In 1945 the scheme was dismantled.
This experimental system also demonstrated frequency conversion. The Mechanicville plant generates power at 40 Hz, and the HVDC line transmitted power to the Schenectady 60 Hz system.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Built in 1932, the circuit traversed 37 kilometres (23 mi) from Mechanicville, New York
Mechanicville, New York
Mechanicville is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population is 5,196 as of the 2010 census. It is the smallest city by area in the state. The name is derived from the occupations of early residents....
to Schenectady, New York
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
.
The system used mercury arc rectifiers
Mercury arc valve
A mercury-arc valve is a type of electrical rectifier used for converting high-voltage or high-current alternating current into direct current . Rectifiers of this type were used to provide power for industrial motors, electric railways, streetcars, and electric locomotives, as well as for...
at a voltage of 20,000 volts and a rated power of 5 MW. The facility was dismantled after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Mechanicville - Schenectady HVDC line
General Electric built an experimental 15 kV DC transmission system with a maximum transmission rate of 150 kW at their plant in Schenectady. In 1932, a 27.4 kilometres long experimental HVDC line designed for a bipolar voltage of 15 kV and a maximum transmission power of 5 MW from Mechanicville Hydroelectric PlantMechanicville Hydroelectric Plant
Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant is a national historic district located at Mechanicville in Saratoga County, New York. The listing included one contributing building and three contributing structures...
was built. This system first used mercury arc valve
Mercury arc valve
A mercury-arc valve is a type of electrical rectifier used for converting high-voltage or high-current alternating current into direct current . Rectifiers of this type were used to provide power for industrial motors, electric railways, streetcars, and electric locomotives, as well as for...
s, and then later ignitron
Ignitron
An ignitron is a type of controlled rectifier dating from the 1930s. Invented by Joseph Slepian while employed by Westinghouse, Westinghouse was the original manufacturer and owned trademark rights to the name "Ignitron"....
s, as the first power electronic devices used for HVDC transmission. The line was in service until 1945 and operated in constant current mode. In 1945 the scheme was dismantled.
This experimental system also demonstrated frequency conversion. The Mechanicville plant generates power at 40 Hz, and the HVDC line transmitted power to the Schenectady 60 Hz system.