23-03 2026
Major breakthrough in technological challenges: IGCT converter valve takes the top spot internationally
On the forefront of power transmission technology, a significant milestone breakthrough is reshaping the industry landscape. In March 2026, Xuji Electric's flexible transmission company, leveraging its exceptional scientific research capabilities and unwavering spirit of innovation, spearheaded the development of a flexible DC converter valve assembly based on a 6.5 kV/8 kA IGCT. This assembly successfully passed the rigorous technical achievement appraisal organized by the Chinese Society of Electrical Engineering. The appraisal process garnered significant attention, with an authoritative appraisal committee personally led by Academician Rao Hong of the Chinese Academy of Engineering conducting a comprehensive and multi-level rigorous evaluation of the assembly. After careful examination and in-depth discussion, the appraisal committee unanimously gave a high rating: the core performance indicators of this product have proudly reached the international leading level, which undoubtedly serves as a powerful testament to China's strength in power technology research and development.
The converter valve, as the well-deserved "heart" of the DC transmission project, directly determines the stability and efficiency of the entire transmission system. The IGCT (Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristor) serves as the strong pacing force of this "heart", and is the key to promoting the efficient operation of the converter valve. The successfully developed converter valve components, with its unique design concept and advanced manufacturing technology, exhibit three remarkable technical advantages.
Firstly, this component possesses robust voltage and capacity support capabilities, effectively supporting DC transmission projects with higher voltage and larger capacity. With the rapid development of the economy and the increasing demand for energy, long-distance and large-capacity power transmission have become urgent needs. Traditional converter valves often prove inadequate when faced with such high-intensity transmission tasks. However, this converter valve component based on IGCT, with its excellent electrical performance, can easily handle higher voltage levels and greater power capacity, providing a solid guarantee for cross-regional and large-scale power transmission.
Secondly, in the crucial aspect of electric energy conversion, this component has achieved a significant breakthrough, enabling a notable reduction in losses during the conversion process. In the process of power transmission, energy loss has always been a crucial factor limiting transmission efficiency. However, this IGCT converter valve component, by optimizing its internal circuit structure and control strategy, effectively reduces thermal and electromagnetic losses during the conversion of electric energy, greatly enhancing the transmission efficiency of electric power. This allows every kilowatt-hour of electricity to maximize its value, making a positive contribution to energy conservation and emission reduction.
Furthermore, its higher power density and more compact design provide an ideal solution for numerous special scenarios. In scenarios where space resources are extremely limited, such as offshore platforms, traditional converter valve equipment is bulky, posing numerous challenges for installation and operation and maintenance. This IGCT-based converter valve component, with its high power density and compact structural design, achieves efficient power conversion and transmission within a limited space, paving the way for the development of offshore wind power and marine energy utilization.
Looking ahead, this internationally leading IGCT converter valve equipment will play a pivotal role in major national strategic scenarios. In the long-distance transmission project of new energy from the Shagehuang large base, it will shoulder the responsibility of efficiently converting and transmitting abundant solar and wind energy from vast deserts, Gobi deserts, and wilderness areas to load centers, helping clean energy overcome geographical constraints and achieve broader application and value. In terms of efficient collection and economic transmission of offshore wind power, it can effectively gather and convert the electric energy generated by dispersed offshore wind farms, and transmit it to the onshore power grid in an economical and reliable manner, promoting the development of the offshore wind power industry towards a larger scale and higher efficiency. This technological breakthrough not only enhances China's competitiveness in the global power transmission field but also injects strong momentum into the implementation of the national energy strategy and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
