State of the Art Thyristors for UHVDC Applications

The outstanding performance and technologies of State of the Art High Power Thyristors for UHVDC applications are described. HVDC Transmission systems up to 11 GW and voltages of +-1100 kV are planned to be built [1] by using those power semiconductors. Different features (e.g. integrated protection functions) or technologies like low temperature sintering (LTS) for highest surge currents at highest blocking voltages are presented. In addition, a new voltage definition according to application demand is introduced to decrease the number of devices in series connections. Finally, the new 6"- 8.5kV Light Triggered Thyristor (LTT) is introduced.