Moscow–Kashira HVDC transmission system, Early high-voltage direct current power line near Moscow, Russia
The Moscow-Kashira transmission system is a high-voltage direct current power line running 125 kilometers between Moscow and Kashira. It combines underground cables and overhead lines to move electricity across the surrounding region.
This system began operation in 1951 using mercury-arc valves recovered from Germany after World War II. It became the first working electronic high-voltage direct current transmission system globally.
The development of this power line reflects Soviet engineering capabilities during the post-war period, demonstrating technical advancement in electrical power transmission.
This power line operates at a nominal capacity of 30 megawatts and can work as a bipole at plus or minus 100 kilovolts or as a monopole using earth return at 200 kilovolts. Its flexible design allows different operating modes depending on needs.
Soviet engineers installed the first thyristor valve built in the country within this system's converter in 1969. This achievement showed growing independence in the nation's electronics manufacturing capacity.
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