Korea Launches First National Standards for Ultra High-Voltage DC

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has established the nation’s first national standards for verifying the performance of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems. This significant development allows KRISS to provide calibration and testing services for power authorities and industries across Korea, marking a pivotal advancement in the country’s energy infrastructure.

HVDC technology delivers electricity in high-voltage direct current, making it ideal for long-distance and large-capacity power transmission. The new standards classify voltage levels, with ultra-high voltage categorized as above 1,000 kV. KRISS has specifically set measurement standards for 600 kV-class high-voltage DC, as well as 800 kV lightning impulse and 700 kV switching impulse measurements. These standards equip Korea with a reliable framework for evaluating and enhancing the performance of ultra-high-voltage power equipment.

Korean manufacturers are expected to benefit from these standards, improving the quality of heavy electrical equipment—an area that encompasses transformers, cables, and switchgear. The establishment of national measurement standards is crucial, as it enables companies to certify product performance and improve their competitiveness in international markets. Previously, manufacturers depended on foreign calibration institutions to conduct the necessary tests, complicating their ability to enter global markets.

During the first meeting of the National Power Grid Committee in October 2023, the Korean government identified HVDC industry development as a core strategy for constructing the nation’s “energy superhighway.” The increasing market demand has prompted Korean manufacturers to expedite the development of HVDC equipment.

KRISS has expanded its previous DC high-voltage standard from 200 kV to 600 kV, effectively tripling the measurement range available for testing. This new standard is critical for withstand voltage tests, which assess whether power equipment can operate safely under voltages exceeding normal conditions for specified durations. Additionally, KRISS established new standards for 800 kV lightning impulse and 700 kV switching impulse testing. Lightning impulses simulate the extreme voltages produced during lightning strikes, while switching impulses mimic transient overvoltages that occur when significant power equipment is activated or deactivated.

With these advancements, Korea now possesses a comprehensive system that adheres to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifications for testing and calibrating ultra-high-voltage equipment. This allows companies to conduct tests efficiently and according to their schedules, which accelerates product commercialization and enhances responsiveness to market demands.

Dr. Lee Hyung Kew, Head of the Quantum Electricity and Magnetism Metrology Group at KRISS, commented, “Based on the newly established standards, KRISS has begun providing calibration services for HVDC testing equipment at KEPCO’s Gochang Electric Power Testing Center and at ILJIN Electric. We will continue to develop the ultra-high-voltage measurement standards needed by Korea’s power industry, contributing to the stability of the national grid and strengthening industrial competitiveness.”

This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) under the national R&D program aimed at establishing a top-tier measurement system and standard framework for intelligent power grids. The establishment of these standards not only enhances Korea’s energy infrastructure but also positions the country as a competitive player in the global energy market.