In today’s technologically-driven world, the demand for efficient, reliable, high-capacity
Power transmission and distribution is greater than ever before.
HVDC applications in fields such as railway, renewable energy systems and aviation require an increasing amount of voltage.
With the introduction of the Serial Connection Box, EA Elektro-Automatik meets these requirements.
Devises from EA Elektro-Automatik can be connected in series to meet the demand of higher voltages up to 3000 V DC. To ensure the safety, the use of the Serial Connection Box (SCB) is necessary. The SCB protects the devices in series connection from exceeding the specified insulation voltage, ensuring safe operation. In addition, EA’s systems can be used flexibly with the help of the SCB.
The devices can be used individually or connected in series. For example, two parallel-connected groups can be connected in series to create systems with high voltage and high power to meet corresponding market requirements.
One of the most significant advancements addressing the needs of efficient, reliable, high-capacity power transmission and distribution is the development and implementation of high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. Unlike traditional alternating current (AC) systems, which have been the backbone of electrical infrastructure for over a century, DC high voltage systems offer unique advantages that are becoming increasingly essential in various applications across multiple industries.
Higher voltage systems reduce resistive losses in the electrical distribution system. Power losses due to resistance are proportional to the square of the current (P_loss = I² × R). By reducing the current through higher voltage, these resistive losses are minimized, leading to more efficient power transmission.
The adoption of HVDC systems is evident in several key areas like railway, aviation and renewable energy systems.
Advantages of HVDC systems at a glance
Many railway systems worldwide utilize standardized high-voltage levels for electrification, commonly 1500 V DC, 3000 V DC, 15000 V AC, and 25000 V AC. The 3000 V DC system is widely used, balancing efficiency with infrastructure demands to support high-speed and heavy-load transport over long distances, particularly benefiting suburban and interurban rail networks, as well as light rail and trams.
Higher voltages reduce current requirements for power delivery, enabling the use of thinner, lighter conductors and lowering infrastructure costs for catenary wires and substations. This also improves overall energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
As the aviation industry moves towards more electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, HVDC systems are becoming essential for efficiency, safety, and future innovation. High voltage supports high-power systems like electric environmental controls (eECS) for air conditioning and pressurization, as well as electric propulsion in hybrid or fully electric aircraft, typically between 1000V DC and 3000V DC.
Using high voltage reduces current requirements, enabling thinner, lighter wiring, which lowers aircraft weight. This is critical for power efficiency and aligns with the industry’s push for sustainable, next-generation aircraft solutions.
The rise of renewable energy has accelerated HVDC adoption, benefiting large-scale photovoltaic installations and advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) with efficient power transmission and reduced losses. High voltages in solar installations minimize transmission losses to inverters or storage, while BESS use HVDC for effective energy storage and retrieval.
HVDC also enables long-distance power transmission, integrating remote renewable sources into the grid and supporting cross-border power exchange.
EA Elektro-Automatik provides advanced test equipment for high-voltage industries, accelerating development and enabling high-quality systems. Our portfolio spans from low-voltage devices up to 2000V DC, and multiple units can be connected in series to achieve up to 3000V DC.
To ensure safe operation at these high voltages, the Serial Connection Box (SCB) protects against insulation limits, enabling flexible use.
EA-10000 series
Greatest product variety. Extended performance range. Simple and efficient.
EA-10000 Industrial series
Powerful, bidirectional and regenerative
Download our recent application note and read more about high voltage systems.
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