HK Electric has officially launched Hong Kong's first Low-Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) System at Ocean Park, aimed at enhancing the reliability of power supply to the habitat of the city’s giant pandas.
The pioneering system operates on the principle of utilizing direct current to interconnect multiple low-voltage distribution devices through existing alternating current cables, thereby forming a hybrid microgrid capable of accommodating both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
In the event of system anomaly, the devices within the microgrid are able to switch power sources, ensuring a consistent power supply while minimizing disruptions.
Moreover, in the event of extreme or unforeseen circumstances affecting power supply, the LVDC system can deliver adequate backup power to maintain stable operations across the facility.
The system has been installed at the substations serving Ocean Park's "Giant Panda Adventure," ensuring a safer, more stable, and reliable electricity supply for the giant pandas — China's national treasures.
HK Electric also plan to extend the LVDC system to selected high-rise commercial buildings on Hong Kong Island to meet increasing power demand.
Further studies will be undertaken to explore the integration of diverse power sources, including renewable energy systems, to further optimize the stability and reliability of the distribution network and support the city's transition to a greener, smarter energy future.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday (Aug 13), HK Electric managing director Francis Cheng Cho-ying expressed his gratitude to the teams of Ocean Park and NARI Group for their support in LVDC system design, commissioning and operational planning.
