College of Engineering, Design & Computing Events

Concept paper due Nov 14 | Innovative DEsigns for high-performAnce Low-cost HVDC Converters (IDEAL HVDC)
Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office and the Office of Electricity released a $10 million funding opportunity announcement to fund research to drive innovation and reduce costs of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) voltage source converter (VSC) transmission systems. HVDC transmission requires switching power sources from AC to DC and back again to connect to the grid, and using a HVDC VSC to conduct the power switch is optimal as it can turn itself on and off when needed, enabling consistent grid stability. This investment is intended to enable future grid upgrades needed to cost-effectively integrate an increasing amount of renewable energy generation onto the grid, both onshore and offshore. There is a required 20% cost match for this program.