Technical Description
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) was chosen both because this technique allows long transmission lines with little loss compared to other systems (like AC), and also allows interchange of the Paraguayan 50 Hz input and the Brazilian 60 Hz input and user grid. Both lines operate at ±600 kV and are built as overhead lines with a length of 818 (North line) and 807 (South line) kilometers. Away from their terminal stations, the two lines are at least 10 km apart to reduce risks. Each one is designed for 3150 MW at ± 600 kV D.C. and 2625 A. The lines are 4 x 689 mm² (about 30 mm ∅) ACSR cables.
The incoming supply is 500 kV AC from the 50 Hz generators at the hydro dam (Foz do Iguaçu). The outgoing power is 345 and 500 kV, 60 Hz AC into the South/Southeastern grid (Ibiúna, São Paulo).
The converter equipment, supplied by ABB Group, uses thyristor valves arranged in two, twelve-pulse bridges per pole.
In parallel with the HVDC system, two 765 kV AC lines carry power from the 60 Hz generators on the Brazilian side of the dam to the São Paulo region. At 1⁄3 into the route, at Ivaiporã (Parana), there is a branch into 500 kV, 60 Hz AC, delivering into the Southern grid. By introducing, in 1989 and later, series capacitors in Ivaiporã (at 1⁄3 of the line) and Itaberá (at 2⁄3) the capacity grew from 4300 MW to 6300 MW.
Read more about this topic: HVDC Itaipu
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