UHV stands for ultra-high voltage. It classifies AC transmission lines operating at 800 kV or higher, and DC lines at plus or minus 800 kV or above. These extreme voltages are engineered to push massive amounts of bulk power over thousands of kilometers with minimal resistive losses. The equipment requires massive clearances and specialized insulation to prevent flashovers.
We're reviewing the clearance requirements for the new UHV interconnector tower design.
Also heard as
- ultra-high voltage
Related terms
Electric power transmission
The bulk transfer of electrical energy from generating power plants to electrical substations.
Clearance
Straight-line air gap between two conductive parts, the dimension that decides whether a surge can flash across.
Corona
Faint glowing discharge around high-voltage conductors where the air is overstressed, causing noise and loss.