Establishing Ultra-High Voltage Measurement Standards Accelerates the 'Energy Superhighway'

KRISS Establishes Korea's First HVDC Measurement Standards
Boosting Export Competitiveness of Heavy Electrical Equipment

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has established, for the first time in Korea, a measurement standard that can reliably verify the performance of ultra-high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. As a result, calibration and performance evaluation of ultra-high voltage test equipment can now be conducted domestically without relying on overseas institutions, which is expected to boost the export competitiveness of the 'K-Power Grid'.

The standards established by KRISS include three types: ▲ a 600kV-class ultra-high voltage direct current measurement standard ▲ an 800kV-class lightning impulse (LI) standard ▲ a 700kV-class switching impulse (SI) standard.

Evaluation of Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current Standard and Calibration Process of On-Site HVDC Generator. Provided by KRISS

These serve as key criteria for evaluating whether power equipment can withstand high-voltage environments in accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and they determine the manufacturing quality and safety of heavy electrical equipment, which is essential for the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electricity.

Measurement Standards: The Key to Fostering the HVDC Industry

HVDC is a technology that converts alternating current (AC) power into ultra-high voltage direct current (DC) for transmission. It is advantageous for long-distance, high-capacity transmission due to its low power loss and ease of controlling transmission direction. Recently, the government has designated the HVDC industry as a core strategy for building an 'energy superhighway' and is focusing on it as the next-generation transmission network to efficiently deliver power from power plant-concentrated non-metropolitan areas to the metropolitan region.

However, until now, the absence of ultra-high voltage measurement standards in Korea meant that companies had to borrow equipment from overseas calibration agencies or invite foreign experts to obtain IEC certification tests. This process incurred significant time and costs, slowing the pace of technological development.

Establishing Standards for 600kV DC, 800kV Lightning Impulse, and 700kV Switching Impulse

In response, the KRISS Quantum Electromagnetic Measurement Group has raised the ultra-high voltage direct current measurement standard from the previous 200kV level to 600kV, establishing a new benchmark for withstand voltage tests (which assess whether equipment can reliably endure high voltage for a certain period).

Additionally, standards for an 800kV-class lightning impulse (LI) and a 700kV-class switching impulse (SI) have been established to simulate rapid voltage changes caused by lightning strikes or switching events. These two standards serve as key indicators for impulse voltage tests that evaluate insulation performance of equipment.

“Domestic Testing and Calibration System Complete... Accelerating Industry Response”

With this achievement, ultra-high voltage testing and calibration that meet IEC international standards are now possible within Korea. As a result, companies can conduct tests promptly at their desired time, shortening the commercialization period of products and enabling them to respond quickly to changes in global market demand.

Lee Hyungyu, Head of the KRISS Quantum Electromagnetic Measurement Group, stated, "Based on these standards, we have begun providing calibration services for test equipment to organizations such as the Korea Electric Power Corporation's Power Research Institute’s Gochang Power Testing Center and Iljin Electric. We will continue to establish ultra-high voltage measurement standards required by the power industry, contributing to the stability of the national power grid and strengthening industrial competitiveness."

This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT’s 'Core Technology Development Project for National Top-Level Measurement Systems to Establish Intelligent Power Grid Standard Systems'.