Ground Current in High-Voltage Transmission I - Preliminary Report on Columbia Basin Tests

Abstract

High-voltage dc transmission has been proposed for linking the power networks of the Pacific Northwest and Southwest. An advantage of direct current, not possessed by alternating current, is that one-half the rated power of a line can be transmitted, with one conductor out of service, by allowing the current in the remaining conductor to return through the earth. To realize this advantage, however, it is necessary to insure against certain possible harmful effects from ground current flow.