What does HVDC stand for and what is it used for?

• A. High Voltage Direct Current used to power small devices
• B. High Voltage Direct Current used for wireless power
• C. High Voltage Direct Current used to transmit electricity over long distances by overhead transmission lines
• D. High Voltage Direct Current used to store energy in batteries

Answer: (C)

HVDC stands for High Voltage Direct Current. It is used to transmit electricity over long distances, typically via overhead lines or submarine cables, because high-voltage direct current has lower losses over long runs and avoids issues with reactive power that complicate long AC transmissions. Converters at each end turn AC from the grid into DC for the journey and back into AC at the destination, which also lets different grids with different frequencies or operating conditions be connected more easily. This approach is especially advantageous for very long or underwater links and for moving large amounts of power efficiently. It isn’t typically used to power small devices or as a primary method for storing energy.