A new modular 1.2‑megavolt‑ DC voltage testing system was successfully commissioned in the high-voltage hall at the Chair of High Voltage and High Current Engineering of Dresden University of Technology.  This large-scale device was financed through the Major Instrumentation Initiative of the federal states. This will increase the focus of teaching and research on the importance of high DC voltages in the transmission of large electrical power in Germany, Europe and the world. The operational launch is a major step for electrical power engineering at TU Dresden on the way to continuously shaping the education of electrical power engineers as well as research in high-voltage technology for future requirements.

The knowledge of high DC voltages taught in the lectures can now be deepened and experienced at real-life voltages in the corresponding practical courses. This will provide future engineers with the best possible equipment for the challenges they will face in practice.

Furthermore, the increasing importance of high DC voltages in the transmission of high power repeatedly leads to new questions in research. In answering these research questions, the proportion of high DC voltages as the sole load variable or in combination with other voltage forms is steadily increasing during experimentation. The emphasis is on the operating equipment for high-voltage DC transmission, as is currently required in particular for connecting offshore wind farms or the new electrical power transmission lines on land, such as the Southeast Link. The testing rig also allows diagnostic measurements of partial discharges. Only a few research institutions currently have these capabilities, combined with the voltage level that has now been realized. This also boosts Saxony's research landscape.

The Free State of Saxony provided co-financing from tax funds based on the budget passed by the Saxon state parliament.

Media inquiries:
PD Dr.-Ing. Stephan Schlegel
Acting head of the Chair
of High Voltage and High Current Engineering
Tel: +49 351 463-32746